230,398
Beneficiaries
Program
Health & Nutrition
The Health Department advances accessible and quality health services through coordinated prevention, community mobilization, and targeted support for vulnerable households.
11 health centres
Sectors
Parishes & local health actors
Partners
2026
Year
At a Glance
Health Department at a Glance
The department integrates service uptake, insurance mobilization, maternal and child health support, and nutrition interventions to improve outcomes across the Diocese of Gikongoro.
- 11 health centres serving 230,398 people across three districts.
- Quarterly supervision and coordination to improve service quality.
- World Day of the Sick activities with faith and social support.
- More than 13,158 children monitored through ECD-linked nutrition services.
Program details
The Health Department has as its strategic objective: “The accessibility and quality of health services are improved.”
Health coverage in the Diocese of Gikongoro
The Catholic Diocese of Gikongoro has eleven (11) health centres serving a total population of 230,398 people, distributed as follows:
- Nyamagabe District: 108,653 people
- Nyaruguru District: 91,837 people
- Nyanza District: 29,908 people
Actions to increase use of health services
1. Mobilisation on health mutual insurance and service utilization
At the beginning of each annual budget, community mobilisation on health-insurance payment is organised at cell level. The population receives information on available health services, and poor households are assisted to obtain health insurance.
2. Quarterly coordination meetings with health centre managers (matrons / titularies)
Monitoring and evaluation of health centre activities are conducted through supervision visits, field follow-up, and quarterly coordination meetings, where health indicators are reviewed and recommendations for continuous improvement are agreed.
3. World Day of the Sick
In collaboration with parishes, health centres organize the World Day of the Sick from 11 February, according to their annual plans. Activities include Holy Mass for the sick, home/hospital visits, and social support (food, clothing, and hygiene materials).
4. Promotion of natural family planning methods (NFP)
Promotion of natural family planning is carried out through NFP awareness, initial and refresher training for educators, and follow-up of couples using these methods. The department also strengthens the capacities of family facilitators and monitors their activities in the community.
Nutrition
For better child development, the department carries out growth and development monitoring through the early childhood development (ECD) program in communities, cooking demonstrations on balanced diets, and distribution of cooking-demonstration kits and fruit trees to households. More than 13,158 children are monitored through ECD services.
Goals & Activities
Primary healthcare access
Supporting community health posts and clinics to provide affordable care for vulnerable families.
Nutrition programs
Combating child malnutrition through therapeutic feeding and community nutrition education.
Maternal and child health
Antenatal care, safe delivery support, and follow-up for mothers and newborns.
Medical aid
Distribution of essential medicines and supplies to underserved facilities.
Disease prevention
Vaccination campaigns, hygiene promotion, and community health worker training.
Health data and monitoring
Tracking indicators to improve quality and targeting of health interventions.
Recent Updates
New Partnership Signed with CRS to Expand Food Security Programs (April 2, 2026)
A landmark agreement broadens food and nutrition security work across the southern province.
Peace Education Workshop Unites 200 Youth Leaders (April 2, 2026)
CDJP facilitated a landmark dialogue summit fostering reconciliation and civic responsibility.
Caritas Gikongoro Launches New Community Health Initiative Across Five Sectors (April 2, 2026)
A new health outreach program brings essential medical care and nutrition support to underserved rural communities in the Diocese, reaching thousands of beneficiaries.
Our Partners
