The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) yesterday donated three ambulances worth $161,799 (Rwf 94m) to the Ministry of Health (MoH). Dr.  Bonaventure Nzeyimana, a MoH official, received the donation on behalf of the ministry.

According to Cheikh Fall the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, the support falls in a series of activities organised to mark the World Population Week which started on July 11. 

"These ambulances will boost Rwanda’s efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality and as well as morbidity,” he said during a function at the ministry headquarters.

He added that ambulances would strengthen referral system which will contribute to improving access to emergency obstetric and neonatal services at the health facilities.

In a related development, UNFPA also donated a batch of ICT equipment comprising of 30 computers, 30 printers and 30 uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to the ministry, which are valued at $45,000.

"We all know that access to family planning services is a right to all; the equipment will be distributed to district pharmacies for the management of reproductive health commodities,” Fall explained.

He underscored that, UNFPA supports the Government of Rwanda in promoting sexual and reproductive health, population policies and data and as well as gender in order to improve the quality of life of the population.

Speaking at the event, Nzeyimana thanked UNFPA for the support which he said will help the ministry to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

He said the ambulances will be distributed to Shyira Hospital and the health centres of Nkungu and Nyabitimbo, located in the Western Province.

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