1000 Health Posts initiative a key driver toward Universal Health Coverage-RC Ozonnia

The UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo has called for more concerted efforts in ensuring the effective implementation of the “1000Health Posts in the Land of 1000Hills” Joint Programme that is set to benefit at least five million vulnerable Rwandans.

Though the country has made tremendous strides in universal healthcare, it still faces some gaps in sustainable Primary Health Care service delivery. The Government of Rwanda in partnership with different actors is therefore embarking on expanding the number of Health Posts to deliver better health outcomes for all toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and the SDGs.

The primary goal of the Joint Programme is to leverage Public, Private, and Community partnerships to accelerate SDG achievement through catalytic financing that ensures the sustainability of health posts.

During the Steering Committee that convened some heads of UN implementing agencies, senior Government officials, and other organizations in the health sector, Ozonnia observed that the UN Rwanda considers this Joint Programme as having strong synergies to the ongoing Government and Partners initiatives as well as complementing delivery of basic services, including expounding on technical assistance in innovative health financing.

 “Establishing Health posts, for example, is a remarkable reform in Rwanda’s health system and a key driver toward Universal Health Coverage. Having health posts at the cell level including hard-to-reach areas gives assurance that all people and communities including refugees can access health services without exposure to financial hardships”. He said.

 In fact, according to the statistics from the Ministry of Health, 95 percent of disease burdens are treated at the Health posts making the programme a priority for the benefit of citizens in the country which immensely contributes towards Rwanda’s economic growth and development.

“We are willing to participate and play our part in the proper implementation of this Joint Programme”. Said Dr. Corneille Ntihabose the Head of the clinical and public health services department at the Ministry of Health.

Upon its successful implementation, it is expected that the programme will result in a more capable, and resilient Health Post network throughout the country and directly contribute to the reduced rates of mortality, morbidity, stunting, and wasting of young children.

Experts believe that the intervention will also deliver predictable financial streams with some 3,000 decent jobs for individual entrepreneurs, especially females in rural areas.

During the presentation, it was highlighted that the Joint Programme will enhance 1000 Health Posts through new financing and technological innovations to sustain and expand the current footprint including refugee camps -- through an integrated approach that reinforces and scales up partnerships and catalyzes new investments.