Over 700 Babies Born Outside Health Facilities Last Year

By The Inspirer.

Gakenke District authorities have reported that 754 babies were born outside of health facilities in the last fiscal year (2023-2024). The district administration has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging parents to deliver in hospitals, thereby avoiding potential risks to both maternal and child health.

During the celebration of Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day, which also marked the launch of Civil Registration Week in Rwanda, Gakenke District Mayor Vestine Mukandayisenga revealed that these births occurred due to the district’s challenging territory.

She emphasized that efforts are ongoing to change this mindset, including working closely with community health workers and advocating for increased capacity at local health posts.

“Our analysis shows that the district’s mountainous terrain contributes significantly to this issue. Many parents find it difficult to reach a health facility in time, especially when labor begins at night. However, we continue to encourage them to seek medical care as soon as they experience the first signs of labor,” said Mukandayisenga.

She added, “Education is an ongoing effort. We are committed to ensuring that everyone understands that giving birth in a hospital is a responsibility. Although we have health posts in place, their operational capacity—particularly in terms of round-the-clock staffing—remains a challenge, which the Ministry of Health is aware of, and we discuss frequently.”

Dr. Dieudonné Dukundane, the Director of Gatonde Hospital, highlighted the risks associated with home births or deliveries outside health facilities. He advised parents to seek medical assistance to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

“Complications from home births can include severe bleeding due to lack of proper care, leading to life-threatening blood loss, infections contracted from unsanitary conditions, and the risk of the baby being born with disabilities or even dying. There are also basic vaccines that the child might miss. We strongly urge parents to follow the guidance provided by medical professionals,” Dr. Dukundane stated.

In Gakenke District, a total of 8,496 babies were born last year, with 754 of them delivered outside health facilities. Despite these challenges, all births were successfully registered using digital systems.

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