As a result of genocidal warfare, which broke out in April 1994, the Rwandan Government has made remarkable efforts to resettle returnees in various regions of the country. In 1996 Umutara was created, by designating a large area of Akagera National Park located in the Northeastern part of Rwanda to resettle returnees. Population figures for Umutara Prefecture are estimated to be 500,000, and approximately 80% are returnees who left Rwanda in 1959.
CARE’s Mobile Health project that started in 1999 is being implemented in collaboration with the Regional health authorities of Umutara Prefecture for communities that live in the newly created Umutara prefecture and lack basic health services.
Prior to 1994, Rwanda had actually made strides in family planning, but the health infrastructure was abandoned during the genocide. After the genocide the prevailing attitude among returnees was to rebuild lost populations through increased fertility.
Currently, communities have limited information about the health benefits of family planning and women receive little support from their partners to make reproductive health choices. Women face societal and community pressure to continue to reproduce.
CARE has learned that discretion is critical for women who choose to use contraception, and thus many have a strong preference for injectable contraceptives. CARE also recognizes the gender and reproductive rights elements to improving family planning access in this community and is working with local partners and the government to develop responsive policies related the provision of reproductive health services.
Learning Objectives: Articulate post-genocidal challenges to family planning programs. Identify constraceptive methods that have higher levels of acceptance among this population. Discuss the impact this information has on working with the government towards developing a reproductive health policy.
Keywords: Conflict Resolution, International Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CARE
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment