Bringing Heart Care Closer to Communities: CARDIO4Rwanda in Rwamagana, Bugesera, and Kicukiro Districts
Addressing a Silent Killer in Our Communities
Across Rwanda, many people live with diseases or conditions they don’t know they have, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems. These “silent killers” often go unnoticed until it’s too late, leading to strokes, kidney disease, heart failure, and even premature death.
That’s why Health Builders launched CARDIO4Rwanda in 2025: to raise awareness and bring life-saving screenings to communities in need. The program operates in Rwamagana, Bugesera, and Kicukiro, where thousands of people have already benefited from free screenings and education. This bold new initiative is funded by Novartis.
What the Project Does
CARDIO4Rwanda focuses on four main goals:
Raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, including better nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
Provide free screening for high blood pressure and diabetes in communities.
Train health workers and community health workers (CHWs) to detect non-communicable diseases (NCDs) early.
Ensure follow-up care so those diagnosed receive the necessary treatment and ongoing support.
Health Builders is collaborating closely with district hospitals, health centers, community health workers, and local leaders, under the guidance of the Ministry of Health, to bring this new project to life. Tt’s all part of a larger strategy for sustainable change in rural Rwanda.
Changing Lives, One Screening at a Time
Since its launch, CARDIO4Rwanda has reached thousands of people in markets, workplaces, and villages in rural Rwanda.
“Before the screening, I had never checked for any NCDs. I didn’t know my blood pressure or sugar levels,” shared a woman from Bugesera.
Her results revealed dangerously high blood pressure and blood sugar, conditions that could lead to stroke or even death. Thanks to the project, she was immediately connected with her local health center for treatment and follow-up. Today, she continues to receive care to live a healthier life.
NCDs Community Screening at Ngeruka, Bugesera
Challenges Along the Way
Reaching people in remote areas can present a significant challenge. For example, poor road infrastructure and limited transportation sometimes make it difficult for health workers to reach communities regularly. Follow-up visits are in some cases delayed or missed due to long distances or seasonal weather conditions, while referral systems are often hampered by a lack of nearby facilities. By addressing these barriers, support can help improve timely access to services, ensure consistent follow-up, and strengthen the overall health and referral system in these hard-to-reach areas.
Looking Ahead
The CARDIO4Rwanda Project is already operating in three districts and aims to reach even more people by expanding to the Rulindo District. We are already on our way toward this goal, working toward the following initiatives to prepare for the expansion:
In just six months, our screening program has reached over 150,000 people, identifying more than 27,000 individuals with elevated blood pressure and more than 4,900 with high blood sugar. These individuals are now being actively linked to care, ensuring timely follow-up and management. This helps to prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes.
Two internists and 13 GPs & RNs have been trained on advanced CVD, and 172 nurses on basic CVD care
We have supported 41 health facilities to conduct workplace screening for HTN and diabetes.
Three hospitals have been enabled to initiate heart failure & dyslipidemia screening and care
Health Builders is proud to be working toward large-scale systems change for healthcare in Rwanda that improves the everyday lives of all Rwandans. CARDIO4Rwanda directly supports Rwanda’s national goal of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.4.
You Can Make a Difference
Every small contribution creates a big ripple of change. With a donation of just $50, you can help screen 100 people for hypertension and diabetes, providing them with the opportunity to detect illnesses early, receive treatment, and live healthier lives.
Join us in building a healthier Rwanda.
Together, we can protect hearts, save lives, and bring health closer to every home.
