Heroes Among Us: Volunteer Community Health Workers (CHWs)
As a part of Heroes Day in Rwanda, Health Builders proudly honors the dedicated Community Health Workers (CHWs) who serve as the foundation of the Rwandan healthcare system. These volunteers, elected by their communities, walk miles each day to deliver essential health services to families in even the most remote areas.
Expanding Access to Care
CHWs perform a wide range of critical services, including health education and integrated community case management (ICCM) for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia. They also support maternal and newborn health, administer family planning methods, and provide follow-up and referral to patients for continuity of care.
In our non-communicable disease (NCD) initiative in Nyabihu District, CHWs were responsible for screening more than 120,000 people, accounting for 55% of total screenings, highlighting their pivotal role in raising awareness and encouraging early detection.
According to Rwanda Ministry of Health data, CHWs also manage a majority of uncomplicated malaria cases at the community level. These cases make up up to 60% of all malaria cases. This allows patients to receive treatments sooner, reduces complicated illnesses, and relieves pressure on already congested health facilities.
Jeanne Mukankusi (pictured here) is a CHW in Kabaya village, Kijote cell, Bigogwe Sector in Nyabihu District.
“I have been a CHW for 3.5 years. The services we provide include family planning, treatment of children under five for fever, respiratory infections, and diarrhea; and recently, we also started screening for NCDs after Health Builders gave us some equipment, including blood pressure machines and glucometers. I love being a CHW. It is my passion, and it makes me feel useful to my country," said the 35-year-old Mukankusi.
Supporting CHWs to Stay Active and Effective
Health Builders works with the Rwanda Ministry of Health to provide CHWs with training, supervision, and essential tools to deliver critical health services effectively, ensuring they remain active, motivated, and capable of performing their vital roles. This allows them to educate families, conduct screenings, and deliver life-saving care to communities.
Heroes Day Call to Action
In honor of Heroes Day, please consider ways you can help support our Community Health Workers.
Support the volunteer CHWs by donating. Your contribution helps them stay equipped and trained to deliver life-saving services to every Rwandan family. You can also share their stories, volunteer, or advocate for stronger community health programs. Every action counts in ensuring that CHWs continue to bring essential care closer to communities.
Join Health Builders in celebrating these everyday heroes and help strengthen community health in Rwanda, because together, we can make quality care accessible to every home.
