Over 660 households in Kabarore Sector, Gatsibo District, are now benefiting from improved healthcare access thanks to a generous donation from Professor Katherine Klein of Wharton University, USA. The donation, channeled through the nonprofit Abdallah Kiromba Foundation, have enabled approximately 3,000 people to enroll in the Community-Based Health Insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) program.
Professor Katherine Klein of Wharton University, USA
Kabarore, a region facing significant healthcare access challenges, has seen transformative improvements due to this donation. Donat Niyonsaba, President of the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to Professor Klein for her unwavering support. “This donation is a lifeline to countless residents of Kabarore,” Niyonsaba said. “It not only alleviates financial burdens but also ensures that families can access essential medical care, significantly improving their quality of life.”
Building on the success of a similar initiative last year, which benefited over 955 families (approximately 5,000 people), the foundation is committed to expanding healthcare access across the region. “We are exploring opportunities to extend this vital support to other sectors in need,” Niyonsaba added.
Donat Niyonsaba, President of the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation addresses residents in Kabarore.
Fred Mutabazi, Executive of Kabaze Cell, highlighted the critical impact of the program on vulnerable families. “Many in our community were unable to afford Mutuelle de Santé, leaving them with limited options when faced with illness,” Mutabazi explained. “This donation is a game-changer, ensuring that more people can receive the care they need without facing financial hardship.”
One such beneficiary is Nawumvayisi Disi Dieudonné, a resident of Gitoki Cell. “I was struggling with a serious health issue that I couldn’t afford to treat,” he shared. “Thanks to this program, I received the care I needed at Gisenyi Hospital, and my health has improved dramatically.”
Francine Mukawamwezi, a widow with six children in Gatoki Cell, Kabarore Sector, is another beneficiary of the support. Before receiving assistance through the Mutuelle de Santé program, Francine struggled to provide basic healthcare for her family due to financial constraints. “As a single mother with limited resources, accessing healthcare was a major challenge,” she said.
“This support has been a lifeline for my family,” Francine explained. “We now have access to regular check-ups and medical treatment, which were previously out of reach for us. It has brought a sense of security and relief, knowing that we can get the care we need without worrying about the cost, thanks to the generous donation.”
This assistance has not only improved the health of Francine’s family but has also alleviated the financial stress associated with healthcare expenses, allowing her to focus on supporting her children and managing her household more effectively.
The Mutuelle de Santé program, a government-run initiative, aims to provide healthcare coverage to a large portion of the population. With the support of donors like Professor Katherine Klein, the program is making a tangible difference in the lives of countless Rwandans.
In addition to healthcare support, the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation has recently launched a new initiative. In May, they introduced a six-to-twelve-month tailoring training program for over 30 teenage mothers and 30 young men in Gatsibo District. This program aims to equip these young individuals with valuable skills to support themselves and their families after experiencing unplanned pregnancies. These teenage mothers are part of a larger group of over 100 young women in the district who have become pregnant in the past two to four years.
