New Rwanda Initiative Targets Early Treatment for Children With Orthopedic Disabilities

The two-year project, titled “Promoting child-centered orthopedic and rehabilitation care to ensure early intervention, recovery, and long-term functional outcomes,” will operate in the districts of Bugesera, Kicukiro and Gicumbi. It was officially launched on April 29, 2026, at Rilima Hospital.

Eugenie Mukantagwera, CBM’s representative in Rwanda, said the Germany-based organization focuses on supporting people with disabilities especially children through health care, education and social welfare programs. She added that CBM also helps parents form savings groups to better support their children’s needs.

“This is our first collaboration with Rilima Hospital,” she said. “We want to strengthen existing services and ensure that care for children with disabilities extends beyond hospitals into communities, working closely with government and health systems so that beneficiaries can truly access the services they need.”

Local authorities welcomed the initiative, saying it will help identify children with disabilities and connect them to appropriate care while ensuring long-term follow-up.

Rebecca Karungi, head of health in Kicukiro District, said the project will make it easier to track affected children and support families in maintaining their well-being.

“We will work closely with parents to ensure these children grow up healthy and are able to contribute to the country’s development,” she said.

Father Donatien Twizeyumuremyi, director of Caritas Kigali and a member of the hospital’s health committee, said the project fills an important gap by focusing not only on treatment but also on prevention and post-treatment follow-up.

“In the past, we treated patients but had limited involvement in preventing disabilities or monitoring patients after discharge,” he said. “This project strengthens what we have been doing and adds much-needed continuity of care.”

Dr. Albert Tuyishime from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) said the initiative complements existing national efforts to support children with disabilities, emphasizing that they have the same rights to health and development as any other child.

“A key priority is identifying these children early, with the help of community health workers, and ensuring they receive care at the appropriate level—from local clinics to specialized facilities,” he said. “By linking families, communities and hospitals, this project will help us reach more children faster and provide timely support.”

He added that caring for children with disabilities requires a collective effort, starting with families, to ensure they can lead full lives, including playing, learning and participating in everyday activities.