Issue
In Rwanda, people with disabilities (PWD) face systemic barriers to mainstream healthcare programmes, leading to higher rates of non-communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and mental health conditions.
Project partners
How we are helping
This project aims to support the enforcement of existing laws and policies that protect the rights of PWD and improve access to healthcare.
About the project
Rwanda’s national health priorities and international commitments guarantee equitable healthcare access for all; however, significant gaps persist in access to quality healthcare among people with disabilities (PWD), leading to higher rates of non-communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and mental health conditions.
Project partner, Umbrella of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in Fighting against HIV/AIDS and for Health Promotion, will work with the Rwanda Social Security Board and the Rwanda Biomedical to support the Government of Rwanda in enforcing existing laws and policies that protect the rights of PWD.
This will be achieved by:
- conducting national radio and community campaigns to promote the health rights of PWD and to reduce stigma and discrimination
- organising workshops for duty bearers to improve their understanding of the healthcare needs of PWD and to reduce discriminatory practices in healthcare settings
- training representatives of organisations of people with disabilities (OPDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) to monitor healthcare facilities and advocate for improvements at both national and local levels
- organising policy dialogues with healthcare facility managers, health authorities and other stakeholders to review compliance with disability-inclusive health policies, recommend improvements to policy implementation and advocate for disability-inclusive services, including structural and service improvements at health centres.
As a result of this project, it is hoped that PWD in Rwanda will benefit from improved access to mainstream healthcare, leading to reduced rates of non-communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and mental health conditions.
Project Partners
The Umbrella of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in fighting against HIV/AIDS and for Health Promotion (UPHLS) is a non-governmental entity operating in Rwanda that was created in 2006. UPHLS operates in thematic areas of HIV&AIDS to improve the health and employability of PWDs, create and advocate for inclusive health policies, and budgetary allocation. Their mission is to strengthen the capacities of member organisations, support, guide and coordinate programmes to promote the rights of PWDs for inclusive services in health and employability.
RRSB is a public institution committed to enhancing social welfare and financial protection for Rwandans. With a strong focus on healthcare insurance and reducing financial barriers to healthcare access, RSSB plays a vital role in advocating for inclusive health coverage across the nation.
RBC was established in 2011 through a merger of 14 key health institutions. RBC strives to improve the health of the Rwandan population by providing high quality, affordable and sustainable health care services. This is accomplished through the implementation of preventative, rehabilitative, and curative health interventions. RBC conducts scientific research, provides diagnostics services, and implements innovative health interventions to protect the nation against diseases and other health threats.
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