According to the latest Statistical Year Book 2024 published by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), maternal mortality, which stood at 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000, has now fallen to 203 per 100,000.

The sharp decline reflects the effectiveness of the government’s targeted healthcare policies and the country’s robust approach to maternal health.

Several key factors have driven this reduction. One major contributor is the increase in antenatal care coverage, with nearly 98% of mothers in Rwanda receiving at least one antenatal visit by 2023. The improvement in early detection and intervention has played a crucial role in reducing maternal deaths.

Skilled birth attendance has also been central to this progress, with 94% of births now attended by skilled health professionals, ensuring safer deliveries.

Additionally, improved access to emergency obstetric care has helped reduce maternal mortality. The rise in Caesarean sections and enhanced surgical capacity have ensured better outcomes for mothers facing complications during childbirth.

The gains in maternal health are part of a broader trend of improving child health. Both infant and under-five mortality rates have seen substantial reductions. Infant mortality has dropped from 107 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 33 in 2023, while under-five mortality has decreased from 196 to 45 per 1,000.

Key interventions have contributed to these reductions. High vaccination rates have played a pivotal role, with over 96% of children immunized by 2023, helping to combat preventable diseases.

Furthermore, community health worker programs continue to be vital in screening for malnutrition and providing timely interventions for children under five.

The report also highlights progress in addressing stunting and malnutrition. The prevalence of stunting decreased from 51% in 2005 to 33% in 2023. Severe malnutrition cases have also seen a dramatic decline, with 97% of children now classified as having normal nutritional status in recent screenings.

Key contributors to this success include growth monitoring programs, with over 1.5 million screenings conducted in 2023, as well as improved nutritional outcomes due to enhanced hospitalization and outpatient treatments for malnutrition.

Rwanda’s healthcare success is also attributed to comprehensive health policies. Health insurance coverage reached an impressive 97.3% in 2023, ensuring that families from all backgrounds can access care.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) program has been instrumental in providing decentralized healthcare, enabling millions of children to receive vital screenings and interventions. Moreover, investments in infrastructure have expanded access to both essential and emergency care, particularly in district hospitals and health centers.

Additionally, focused efforts on maternal and child nutrition, including supplementation programs and education, have significantly contributed to improving overall health outcomes.

According to the latest Statistical Year Book 2024 published by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), maternal mortality, which stood at 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000, has now fallen to 203 per 100,000.