Though Rwanda has made great progress on health in the past two decades, maternal and neonatal mortality remain major challenges. The maternal mortality ratio is 540 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and neonatal complications are the second major cause of death in children under five. 

A major challenge to good maternal and neonatal health outcomes is the quality of maternity wards, and many health centers remain woefully underequipped. Women are required to remain in the health center for three days after childbirth, but maternity wards lack the very basics such as bedding and blankets. In mountainous areas of Rwanda where the nighttime air is crisp and cold, new mothers and infants are at undue risk for post-partum complications and death.

(Photo credit: Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin)

Rwanda Works seeks to buy warm, washable blankets for the new mothers and infants at the Birembo health center maternity ward. This simple intervention will prevent postpartum complications and ensure that the critical first days in a baby’s life are comfortable and safe.  

(Photo credit: Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin)