Rwanda is one of the poorest countries in the world. Following the genocide in 1994 of almost 1 million people, many of the 34 hospitals and 188 health centres were looted, and most of the staff were killed or exiled.
This loss of health professionals has not only dramatically cut healthcare service provision, but meant that preventive health information is not disseminated.
- 88% of the Rwandan population live on less than $2 per day
- Life expectancy is just 45 years
- Only 36% of married women use any form of contraception
- Health indicators are very poor
Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health
Health Poverty Action has been working to provide and improve the sexual and reproductive health for women and adolescents in the Gisagara and Nyaruguru districts.
Success Stories: Using radio to improve health education in Rwanda
Health Poverty Action pioneered a project to improve health education in Rwanda. We worked alongside non-governmental organisation, Urunana Development Communication, to produce and broadcast the award-winning Urunana radio soap which aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health of women and young people.
Last modified: 27/01/2012
