Rwanda

 

Background

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. It is commonly known for the genocide in 1994, which severely devastated the economic development of the country. The genocide eroded the human resource base and destroyed much of Rwanda's infrastructure. In more recent years the economy has stabilized and progress has been made to rehabilitate the social, economic and judicial infrastructure. The reconciliation of Rwanda's people has been enhanced since the formation of a 'Government of National Unity', which has been in place since July 1994.

 

Geography

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

Population

8,648,248
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected
(July 2006 est.)

 

Humanitarian Situation

Millions of people all over the world suffer from devastating parasite infection. Due to poor hygiene the eggs of the worm end up on fruit and produce. People who eat this food get infected. Without medical treatment infected people start suffer from anaemia and children get growth problems. And these are not the only consequences. People are tormented by chronic diarrhea and vomiting. They can no longer eat normally and become increasingly weaker, day by day. Children who suffer from this worm infection cannot make it to school most of the time. Without an education their chances of a better life are practically reduced to zero. Like their parents they will live a life of poverty and bad health.

 

Project name

Deworming medicines

 

Project partner

World Concern

 

Project location

Kigali, Nyamasheke district

 

Goal

The purpose of the deworming meds project in Rwanda is to improve the health of school children in the area by eliminating intestinal worms. Signs of health improvement are increased school attendance and significant gains in several measures of health status. Including: reduced worm infection, child growth stunting and anemia. This will help to provide safe, healthy, educational environments, conducive to learning and achievement. Together with her project partner Medical Mission International will help promote health and enhance quality education and help school children become agents of community change towards better health practices. This is an ongoing project. The treatment is a two pill series of Mebendazole ®, administered twice a year to stop the infection. Each year we expand the program to reach more children. Together with our project partner Medical Mission International want to expand this program to other districts. Intestinal worms are a health threat to children through out Rwanda. The effects of intestinal worms are long-term and chronic and can negatively affect aspects of a child’s development: health, nutrition, cognitive development, learning and educational access and achievement.