As Partners In Health (PIH), known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), approaches its 20th anniversary in Rwanda, the organization stands as a pillar of transformative healthcare. Since 2005, PIH has been at the forefront of revolutionizing health services in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Health and local communities, particularly in the rural districts of Kayonza, Kirehe, and Burera. From rebuilding healthcare infrastructure to spearheading advancements in HIV/AIDS care, maternal health, and non-communicable diseases, PIH's unwavering commitment has touched over 860,000 lives.

Expanding Healthcare Access and Infrastructure

PIH's partnership with the Rwandan government has led to the establishment and enhancement of critical healthcare facilities. Among these is the Butaro District Hospital, inaugurated in 2011, which has become a model for rural healthcare. The hospital, alongside other PIH-supported centers, has played a pivotal role in improving maternal and neonatal care by training healthcare workers and expanding emergency obstetric services.

Advancing HIV/AIDS and TB Care

One of PIH's earliest and most impactful initiatives was addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. By 2010, the organization had enrolled 6,917 HIV patients in comprehensive care programs, providing life-saving antiretroviral therapy and community-based support. This commitment has significantly contributed to Rwanda's success in meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, reinforcing the country's leadership in HIV/AIDS management in Africa. Furthermore, PIH has played a crucial role in tuberculosis (TB) treatment, particularly in managing multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), integrating these services with HIV care for improved patient outcomes.

Championing Health Equity and Community-Based Care

Health equity is at the core of PIH's mission. By training and deploying thousands of community health workers, PIH ensures that even the most remote populations have access to quality healthcare. These frontline workers deliver essential services, including chronic disease monitoring, maternal health education, and adherence support for HIV and TB treatments. Additionally, PIH’s holistic approach addresses social determinants of health, providing nutritional aid, housing assistance, and financial support for vulnerable families.

Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders through UGHE

A landmark achievement in PIH's 20-year journey is the establishment of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in 2015. Located in Burera District, UGHE is dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare leaders with a focus on equity, human rights, and social justice. The university's medical program, launched in 2019, will see its inaugural class of 30 students (20 women and 10 men) graduate in 2025. Recognized internationally, UGHE ranks 4th in the Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings and continues to drive medical education excellence in Rwanda.

Revolutionizing Non-Communicable Disease and Specialized Care

PIH has been instrumental in bringing specialized care to rural Rwanda. The Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence, established in 2012, was the first of its kind in rural East Africa, providing essential oncology services. Furthermore, PIH has integrated mental health care into primary healthcare services, addressing post-genocide trauma and conditions like depression and PTSD. By expanding its focus to include chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, PIH is ensuring long-term, sustainable healthcare solutions.

Strengthening Systemic Impact Through Partnerships

PIH’s collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Health has played a fundamental role in the success of the country’s universal health coverage program, Mutuelle de Santé. By improving service delivery and fostering community engagement, PIH has reinforced Rwanda’s reputation as a global model for post-crisis health system recovery. Its initiatives have not only strengthened healthcare delivery but also inspired similar models across Africa and beyond.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Goals

Despite its success, PIH continues to navigate challenges, including a growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the projected shortage of 6 million healthcare workers in Africa by 2030. Looking forward, PIH aims to expand UGHE’s programs, integrate non-communicable disease care into primary health systems, and scale up mental health services. Strengthening partnerships with the Rwandan government remains a top priority to ensure sustained progress in universal healthcare coverage.

Celebrating 20 Years of Hope and Progress

As PIH marks its 20-year milestone in Rwanda, it celebrates a legacy of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to health equity. With over 860,000 lives impacted, a robust network of healthcare facilities, and a new generation of medical professionals emerging from UGHE, PIH continues to drive sustainable healthcare transformation. The journey ahead promises even greater strides in strengthening Rwanda’s health system and inspiring global change.

Through its tagline, “Hope Restored,” PIH encapsulates the essence of its mission: restoring dignity, saving lives, and ensuring health as a human right for all.

As Partners In Health (PIH), known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), approaches its 20th anniversary in Rwanda, the organization stands as a pillar of transformative healthcare. Since 2005, PIH has been at the forefront of revolutionizing health services in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Health and local communities, particularly in the rural districts of Kayonza, Kirehe, and Burera. From rebuilding healthcare infrastructure to spearheading advancements in HIV/AIDS care, maternal health, and non-communicable diseases, PIH's unwavering commitment has touched over 860,000 lives.

Expanding Healthcare Access and Infrastructure

PIH's partnership with the Rwandan government has led to the establishment and enhancement of critical healthcare facilities. Among these is the Butaro District Hospital, inaugurated in 2011, which has become a model for rural healthcare. The hospital, alongside other PIH-supported centers, has played a pivotal role in improving maternal and neonatal care by training healthcare workers and expanding emergency obstetric services.

Advancing HIV/AIDS and TB Care

One of PIH's earliest and most impactful initiatives was addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. By 2010, the organization had enrolled 6,917 HIV patients in comprehensive care programs, providing life-saving antiretroviral therapy and community-based support. This commitment has significantly contributed to Rwanda's success in meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, reinforcing the country's leadership in HIV/AIDS management in Africa. Furthermore, PIH has played a crucial role in tuberculosis (TB) treatment, particularly in managing multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), integrating these services with HIV care for improved patient outcomes.

Championing Health Equity and Community-Based Care

Health equity is at the core of PIH's mission. By training and deploying thousands of community health workers, PIH ensures that even the most remote populations have access to quality healthcare. These frontline workers deliver essential services, including chronic disease monitoring, maternal health education, and adherence support for HIV and TB treatments. Additionally, PIH’s holistic approach addresses social determinants of health, providing nutritional aid, housing assistance, and financial support for vulnerable families.

Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders through UGHE

A landmark achievement in PIH's 20-year journey is the establishment of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in 2015. Located in Burera District, UGHE is dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare leaders with a focus on equity, human rights, and social justice. The university's medical program, launched in 2019, will see its inaugural class of 30 students (20 women and 10 men) graduate in 2025. Recognized internationally, UGHE ranks 4th in the Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings and continues to drive medical education excellence in Rwanda.

Revolutionizing Non-Communicable Disease and Specialized Care

PIH has been instrumental in bringing specialized care to rural Rwanda. The Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence, established in 2012, was the first of its kind in rural East Africa, providing essential oncology services. Furthermore, PIH has integrated mental health care into primary healthcare services, addressing post-genocide trauma and conditions like depression and PTSD. By expanding its focus to include chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, PIH is ensuring long-term, sustainable healthcare solutions.

Strengthening Systemic Impact Through Partnerships

PIH’s collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Health has played a fundamental role in the success of the country’s universal health coverage program, Mutuelle de Santé. By improving service delivery and fostering community engagement, PIH has reinforced Rwanda’s reputation as a global model for post-crisis health system recovery. Its initiatives have not only strengthened healthcare delivery but also inspired similar models across Africa and beyond.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Goals

Despite its success, PIH continues to navigate challenges, including a growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the projected shortage of 6 million healthcare workers in Africa by 2030. Looking forward, PIH aims to expand UGHE’s programs, integrate non-communicable disease care into primary health systems, and scale up mental health services. Strengthening partnerships with the Rwandan government remains a top priority to ensure sustained progress in universal healthcare coverage.

Celebrating 20 Years of Hope and Progress

As PIH marks its 20-year milestone in Rwanda, it celebrates a legacy of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to health equity. With over 860,000 lives impacted, a robust network of healthcare facilities, and a new generation of medical professionals emerging from UGHE, PIH continues to drive sustainable healthcare transformation. The journey ahead promises even greater strides in strengthening Rwanda’s health system and inspiring global change.

Through its tagline, “Hope Restored,” PIH encapsulates the essence of its mission: restoring dignity, saving lives, and ensuring health as a human right for all.