Over 100,000 to get free medical services under RDF citizen outreach programme

The programme formerly known as “Army Week” has changed the appellation to ‘RDF Citizen Outreach Programme’.

According to RDF, the move aims at better illustrating the intended impact of socio-economic activities to be conducted countrywide.

The 2018 outreach programme will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Governance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion.

Starting from April 20th to July 30, the activities will be conducted ahead of the 24th celebration of National Liberation Day on July 4th this year.

During the period, the programme will provide free medical services to 113,000 patients, construct 1,961 houses, 121 classrooms and 108 school pit latrines for the vulnerable in selected areas, improve health and sanitation and conducting agricultural activities on 4,511 hectares of land.

Briefing journalists about this year’s activities on Thursday, the RDF and Military Spokesperson, Lt. Col Innocent Munyengango said that the activities are aimed at supporting national programmes.

“Historically, Army Week has developed in scope, duration and impact to the well-being of Rwandans. All these activities are aimed at supporting National Programmes in addressing human security issues affecting the Rwandan population,” Munyengango said.

One of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) missions as provided in article 10 of the law determining the forces’ mission, organization and powers; is to participate in humanitarian activities in case of disasters and to contribute to the development of the country.

“The RDF requests every Rwandan’s participation in support of this noble cause that contributes enormously to improving the welfare and well-being of our population; a pre-requisite for a transformed, strong and sustainably secure Rwanda”, Munyengango added.

Munyengango said that the activities have big impact on the economy of the country. Last year the interventions enabled the country to save a total of Rwf71 billion.