We are back from an exploratory Mission in Rwanda

We have just returned from an enchanting stay in Kigali, the lush valley capital of Rwanda. Our main objective was to meet key individuals to ascertain the country’s needs in regards to fistula management, and to gauge their willingness to welcome us as partners in this management. Our expectations were not only met, but also surpassed!

We met the Health Minister, the Honorable Agnès Binagwaho, the Director of Health Services, Théophile Dushime, two hospital directors Dr. Ntawali Ndizeye (“Centre Mère-Enfant” – Mohima Hospital) and Dr. Ozee Sebatounzi (Kibagabaga Hospital), as well as many nurses and inhalo therapists. We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went. Both of us could feel the determination of the Rwandan people to propel their country forward and to leave its past behind.

The building blocks have been put into place for a cooperation, which would fulfill MMS’ objectives of fistula prevention, treatment and research. We will rapidly set this planned cooperation in motion.

It is of the outmost importance to understand that our commitments to Burkina Faso, to Boromo in particular, still remain. Due to the instability in Sub-Saharan Africa and to the uncertainty brought about by the current military situation in the region, we have to put into place an alternative intervention site.

Jacques Corcos & Alfred Homsy