With new travel restrictions between districts and strict curfews implemented, in-person Liberation Day celebrations (July 4) were canceled for the second year in a row as the nation attempts to control a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases. New cases peaked July 1st following a surge of 11,267 new cases in June. With the threat of viral variants on the rise, especially in rural areas which can become hot spots for outbreaks, the 52 health centers supported by Health Builders are stretched to capacity treating our regular caseload and COVID-19 patients.
Unfortunately, Rwanda still has one of the lowest vaccine coverage rates in the world. As of July 6, 2021, less than 4% of the eligible population has received at least one dose and only 2% have been completely vaccinated; given the vaccine’s scarcity in Africa, priority has been given to frontline workers and vulnerable populations.
Health Builders is no stranger to crisis. Our Rwandan-led team are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis during an unprecedented time and will continue to serve in partnership with the Ministry of Health as an active member of the COVID-19 response team.
But we also want to be direct: WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
While much of the world enjoys a retreat of COVID-19 due to vaccine inequities, we cannot forget the people of Rwanda who are nowhere near returning to their pre-pandemic lives. As of July 8, COVID-19 had directly claimed more than 500 lives and drained healthcare resources leading to significantly reduced coverage and quality of essential healthcare services.
Health centers and the rural communities they serve are in need of supplies. We hope you will consider making a donation to help support these efforts.
$25 can supply PPE for 5 families.
$60 buys 2 pulse oximeters to aid in triage at a health care center.
$120 can supply 4 thermoflashes for a health care center.
$150 provides PPE for 4 Community Health Workers (CHWs) to ensure they stay safe and free of COVID-19 infection. In Rwanda 95% of COVID-19 cases are getting treatment at their homes. These people are being monitored with the assistance of CHWs to ensure they take medication, go for follow-up tests, and don't violate quarantine rules. Also, CHWs play a key role in communicating and implementing new and rapidly evolving recommendations for prevention as well as in maintaining existing health services within their communities.
$250 can support health education sessions for nurses at a health care center.
$500 can provide 100 COVID-19 rapid testing kits.
Interested in partnering with us to the Rwandan communities we serve? Please contact info@healthbuilders.org to organize a fundraiser or pool supplies. During this critical time, we are all hands on deck and happy to accept any support you can offer.
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