The upgrade of Muyumbu Health Center was officially launched on June 19, 2026, during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by local leaders, health officials, community representatives, and development partners.
The project is being implemented through a partnership between Health Builders, the Ministry of Health, and Rwamagana District, with philanthropic support from the Pace Family Foundation.
Among the supporters are Mr. Al Pace and Ms. Kristin Morch of Canada, whose philanthropy has helped finance the construction of five health centers and three health posts across Rwanda. Through the Pace Family Foundation, they are also the principal philanthropic supporters of the Muyumbu Health Center upgrade project, helping make this important investment in maternal, newborn, and community healthcare possible.
Built in 1987, the health center currently serves a rapidly growing population, but officials say increasing demand, aging infrastructure, and limited clinical space have strained its ability to deliver quality services, particularly in maternal care.
The upgrade project will include the construction of a new maternity block equipped with an operating theatre for surgical and emergency obstetric services, postnatal care rooms for mothers and newborns, and the renovation and reorganization of existing health center buildings.
It will also improve essential utilities, including water supply, electricity, sanitation, infection prevention systems, and overall facility safety.
Once completed, the expanded facility is expected to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, enhance patient privacy and dignity, increase service capacity, and reduce referrals to Rwamagana Level Two Teaching Hospital.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi said the investment comes at a critical time for the growing population.
“Today, Muyumbu Health Center serves more than 62,000 people, and this number continues to grow. The current maternity unit is too small to adequately meet the needs of mothers and newborns. This project will provide modern maternity and postnatal facilities, improve patient privacy and comfort, and ensure that women receive quality care close to their homes,” he said.
Health Builders Executive Director Michel Musilikare said the project reflects the importance of partnerships in strengthening Rwanda’s health system.
“This groundbreaking represents more than the start of a construction project. It is an investment in healthier mothers, healthier children, and stronger communities,” he stated, adding that collaboration with government and donors helps bring life-saving services closer to communities.
Al Pace, a key supporter through the Pace Family Foundation, said the family’s involvement in Rwanda’s health sector is deeply rooted in personal and generational connections to the country.
“Healthcare has always been an important part of our family’s story. My father was a gynecologist, and Kristin’s father was a cardiologist. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law worked in Rwanda’s health system in 1997, and my sister worked here in 2000. Over time, these family experiences, connections, and conversations inspired us to support health system strengthening in Rwanda, a country that feels like a second home to us,” he said.
“We are honored to partner with Health Builders and the Government of Rwanda to help improve access to quality healthcare for mothers, newborns, and families in communities like Muyumbu,” he added.
Health Builders, a Rwanda-based non-profit organization established in 2007, works with government and development partners to strengthen health systems across the country through infrastructure development, training, mentorship, and equipment support.
Leave a Reply