A Decade of Impact: Transforming Maternal Health in Bigogwe

Ten years ago, giving birth in Bigogwe, a rural area in Rwanda’s western province, Nyabihu District was filled with uncertainty. The local health center was not well equipped to meet the needs of the growing population. Yet, around 140 women gave birth there each month, supported by only two midwives in overcrowded and limited conditions.

In 2015, everything changed.

Health Builders constructed a dedicated maternity ward, a turning point for the community of over 18,700 people.

For the first time, women in Bigogwe had access to safe, reliable, and dignified maternal care close to home.

This wasn’t just an improvement in infrastructure, it was a shift in hope, confidence, and safety for mothers and newborns.

A decade later, the impact is clear. Bigogwe Health Center now welcomes an average of 215 deliveries each month. The staff has grown to include four midwives and six doctors. The reputation for quality care has spread beyond Bigogwe, attracting women from neighboring areas who trust the center’s compassionate and skilled care.

The confidence and satisfaction expressed by women who deliver here is a testament to how far we’ve come. They feel seen, supported, and safe here. They trust us, and that means everything.
— Bigogwe Health Center Midwife

However, with growth comes new challenges. The maternity ward, originally built for a smaller population, is now overcrowded. The waiting and postpartum rooms are often full, and staff are stretched thin trying to meet the increasing demand.

Bigogwe Health Center’s story is one of resilience and partnership. It shows how one investment, focused on community needs, can transform health outcomes for generations. Now, the next step is to expand the facility to ensure that every woman continues to receive the high-quality care she deserves, today and into the future.

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Patient Testimonial: Confidence in Care at Bigogwe Health Center

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3 Ways EMR is Enhancing Health Care in Rural Rwanda