Improving Care for NCD and Mental Health Patients: Lessons from the MUSANZE Training
From December 3-5, 2025, Health Builders in collaboration with Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) organized an important training in MUSANZE District focused on integrating mental health care in the management of people with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health workers from different health centers came to learn how to better support those patients who often face both physical and emotional challenges.
Two of the participants were KAMARIZA Patricie, an NCD nurse at Kamabuye Health Center, and MUHIRE Nardi Cyrille, a psychotherapist at Nyarugenge Health Center. The training helped them gain new skills and confidence to better care for their patients.
Challenges Before the Training
Before attending the training, both health centers faced similar problems. Many patients with conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes also struggled with anxiety, sadness, or emotional pain. These mental health challenges often made it harder for patients to take their medicine or attend clinic visits.
At Kamabuye Health Center, Patricie noticed that many of her patients were worried, anxious , or discouraged. While she wanted to help, she did not always know how to recognize mental health problems or what steps to take.
At Nyarugenge Health Center, Cyrille met many patients whose physical illness was closely linked to emotional suffering. Even with his mental health background, it was difficult to support patients fully without a clear system that connected mental health care with NCD services.
What the Training Changed
The Health Builders training helped both providers learn simple and practical ways to support patients better. They learned how to:
Notice early signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns
Talk with patients and offer basic emotional support
Help patients understand how their mind and body affect each other
Know when and where to refer patients for more support
Work more closely with other health workers
Hear from the Trainees
See the impact in action! Hear from two participants and what this training meant to them.
For Patricie, the training showed how anxiety and emotional struggles can make NCDs worse. She now feels more confident talking with patients about their feelings and offering support as part of routine care.
For Cyrille, the training helped him see how mental health support can improve how patients manage their long-term conditions. He gained practical tools to bring mental health care into NCD clinics.
Putting Learning into Action
After the training, both participants returned to their health centers ready to make changes. Patricie hopes to see mental health care fully included in NCD services at all health facilities. She believes this will help patients live healthier and more stable lives.
Cyrille plans to start using what he learned right away by strengthening counseling, improving patient follow-up, and working closely with the clinical team to support patients better.
A Message of Thanks
Both Patricie and Cyrille shared their appreciation to Health Builders and RBC for organizing the training and supporting health workers to improve patient care.
This training showed that when physical and mental health care are provided together, patients receive better support—and health workers feel more prepared to help their communities.
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You can support health workers in Rwanda right now by making a tax-deductible donation. Funds raised that will go toward vital training and mentorship that is transforming primary health care systems in rural Rwanda. Will you support health workers like Patricie and Cyrille today?
