{On Wednesday the 11th March 2015, the Minister of State in Charge of Community Development and Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba officiated at the launching ceremony of Army Week during which Rwanda Defense Force medical specialists will treat vulnerable genocide survivors who still suffer health problems as consequences of the genocide.}
During the event that took place at Kinazi Hospital in Ruhango District, one of the beneficiary patients thanked RDF for unceasing support to the survivors. “We sincerely thank RDF for continuous support in different ways. You have constructed residential houses, hospital, schools for us without forgetting paying school fees for our children.” Ruhezamigiho Jean D’Amour testified.
Col. Dr. Ben Karenzi, Head of Kanombe Military Hospital which is running these medical operations across the country, said that the duty of Rwanda Defense Forces is not limited merely to ensuring security but also the health of Rwanda people.
He said: “Though our predominant mandate is to ensure security for our people, we also have to make sure our people are healthy so as to achieve our development goals.”
Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, whose mandates include overseeing social affairs, expressed her condolences to the survivors who survived to live with unbearable wounds as consequences of the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994.
“We sincerely appreciate the medial support Rwanda Defense Force provides to the survivors. It’s a great honor and special opportunities since all RDF specialists have descended to voluntarily treat your wounds and diseases.” She stressed.
Dr. Mukabaramba requested the suffering survivors to attend this medical treatment during the Army Week and to inform those who are unaware and need the medical attention.
According to 2011 survey, Southern Province has a big number of survivors who still need medical treatment with percentage of 34%. The survey revealed that the province has more than 18 thousand patients who still suffer traumatism and other internal illnesses.
In partnership of MINALOC affiliated agency FARG and Rwanda Military Hospital, since May 2012, 31.202 vulnerable survivors who were unable to afford payment for medical treatment have been freely treated during Army Weeks. Dr. Mukabaramba said the number of patients has increased due to other patients who testified their cases after the survey.
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