This issue was highlighted by Edmond Dufatanye, the head of RSPN, during the 16th international conference held in Rwanda by the International Association for Psychiatric Nurses (IAPN), which concluded on August 14, 2024.

Psychiatric-mental health nurses have played a significant role in caring for Rwandans with mental health issues, being the first to receive training domestically from international experts after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The first group completed their Advanced Diploma in 1999 at what was then the Kigali Health Institute (KHI).

Although there was no Bachelor’s degree program previously, the University of Rwanda has introduced one this year, 2024. However, current professionals cannot enroll yet as they must wait until next year for the first-year students to reach the Advanced Diploma level.

Edmond Dufatanye emphasized the need for current professionals to further their education, warning that the delay might lead to some leaving the field for other opportunities. He stated, "The primary demand from professionals is the opportunity to study. The study opportunities provided only reached the Advanced Diploma level. […] Our main request is for a program that helps those at the Advanced Diploma level to attain a Bachelor’s degree."

The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) also highlighted that the lack of continued education for psychiatric-mental health nurses limits their competitiveness in the job market both in Rwanda and internationally.

Dr. Philomene Uwimana from the University of Rwanda urged these nurses to be patient until next year, as this is the current solution available. She said, "They should be patient because many did not wait and shifted to other fields since there was no program available. Now that the courses have started, I believe it will work out well, and they will follow their chosen path."

A study conducted by RSPN, which included responses from 98 psychiatric-mental health nurses, revealed that 78% of them have an Advanced Diploma, only two have a Bachelor’s degree obtained abroad, and one holds a Master’s degree, also from abroad.

Kim Madundo from Tanzania said that the fact that some countries still consider suicide a crime hinders the journey of caring for people with mental health issues.

This conference was discussing the role of mental health in sustainable development.

The participants of the event came from around 10 countries.