The 2012 UNICEF report has hailed Rwanda as one of the nine low-income countries, worldwide, that have lowered under-five mortality rate by 60 per cent or more over the last two decades.That effectively slashed the rate of child mortality rate to by 54 per 1,000 births in the country, with a shortfall of just 2 per cent to reach the UN target of 52 per cent reduction by the year 2015.And, as a result, there are suggestions that the country might have already achieved the Millennium Development Goal Four, with more progress having been registered this year.The report titled, “Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed”, shows that by 2011 the country managed to reduce the rate of babies dying before their fifth birthday by two thirds.These tremendous strides are largely down to the government’s consistent efforts in promoting the health care system, with a particular emphasis on infants and mothers.The free insecticide-treated mosquito nets, distributed countrywide, has helped curb malaria deaths while the universal health care insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Sante) have made it possible for nearly all Rwandans to access health care.Needless to say are the great efforts by the health personnel, right from referral hospitals to the smallest of health centres at the grassroots. Equally significant has been the pivotal role of Community Health Workers who have not only increased public awareness about health services but also provide act as the first line of health assistance at the community level.To all of them we say congratulations for a job well done.However, it is important that everyone double their efforts in continuing to do the right thing, since a healthy population will be key to the achievement of the country’s development goals.With or without MDGs, the Rwandan people deserve to lead healthy and prosperous lives. We must recommit to ensuring that ultimately there is no child who dies because of lack of or inadequate health care.
