Rwanda

In Rwanda’s refugee camps, HI is promoting access to care and protection for vulnerable people, particularly those with rehabilitation needs. By facilitating access to technical aids, such as wheelchairs and walking sticks, the programme is working to eliminate existing inequalities and barriers and make people’s daily lives easier. It is also developing an innovative project to print custom-made orthoses and prostheses using 3D printers. As well as supplying the equipment, we have teams training Rwandan actors to use these technologies to ensure this service is sustainable.

HI also supports people with specific needs, such as people with disabilities and older people, to help them learn about and assert their rights.

To provide greater access to rehabilitation services, we are rolling out a countrywide telerehabilitation project. A technological tool that enables patients to access care at a distance and provides remote follow-up services, telerehabilitation is a valuable asset in breaking down the geographical and financial barriers that limit access to healthcare services. Our teams are helping to monitor and develop this tool and training healthcare professionals and patients. Meanwhile, the programme is actively lobbying for its wider deployment.HI also works with children with disabilities on inclusive education projects. The programme supports the national authorities to ensure access to education for all by training teachers or making buildings accessible to these children. Our teams have developed handbooks and educational tools such as Braille textbooks to cater to their different needs. They also organise awareness-raising sessions for local actors and communities, and facilitate the dissemination of good practices, notably by participating in working groups.

HI also runs projects to improve the nutritional care and harmonious development of very young children. These projects facilitate access to care in the first few days after birth, with a focus on accessible services for babies with disabilities. Our teams support and train parents and guardians to provide a safe and appropriate environment for children, thereby helping to foster their development and learning.

To help fight sexual and gender-based violence, our teams also carry out awareness-raising and advocacy activities with the communities. They accompany survivors of sexual violence through art therapy sessions, for example, and train the medical, psychosocial and legal actors who are helping them to provide appropriate support.  HI also organises awareness-raising campaigns, particularly in schools, and works to break down the barriers that prevent women and children who are victims of violence from accessing the necessary services. Our teams work with men, especially community leaders, to raise awareness and prevent violence.