Neonatal Nursing Orientation Program

Initiated by Fauste Uwingabire, a student of the Global Leadership for Nurses and Midwives (GLNM) Class of 2021, this program was a crucial quality improvement project, mandatory for course completion. The initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of nurses in the neonatal unit, focusing on implementing best practices to improve neonatal outcomes. Remarkably, this effort led to a significant reduction in neonatal mortality rates within the neonatal units and a decrease in the duration of hospital stays. Initially launched at Kirehe District Hospital, its success prompted expansion to nine other health facilities: Rwinkwavu, Kacyiru, Butoro, Ruhengeni, Rubavu, Kibuye, Mugonero, Bushenge, and Mibiliti hospitals.

Recognizing the impact, Partners In Health (PIH), the Ministry of Health/Rwanda Biomedical Center (MOH/RBC) adapted the program, extending it to 30 additional health facilities. The initiative gained official endorsement and support from UNICEF, Rwanda Pediatric Association (RPA), and Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), leading to the formal launch of the Neonatal Nursing Orientation Program in January 2023.

Empowering Nurses and Midwives for Antenatal Ultrasound Services

Addressing the shortage of medical personnel, Laban Bikorimana championed the cause of empowering nurses and midwives to provide ultrasound services to expectant mothers during the antenatal period. This initiative aimed to elevate the quality of healthcare services provided. The significance of this service lies in its potential to enhance outcomes during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods.

Piloted at Kirehe Hospital as part of the quality improvement projects of the Global Leadership for Nurses and Midwives (GLNM) Class of 2021, the project later trained midwives and nurses from 17 health centers in Kirehe district. These centers include Gahara, Kirehe, Kigina, Rusumo, Nyarubuye, Nyabitare, Musaza, Kigarama, Mahama, Nasho, Kabuye, Mulindi, Mushiriki, Ntaruka, Gashongora, Rwantonde, and Bukora. This training initiative was conducted in collaboration with IPAC, who facilitated the procurement of ultrasound machines.

Following the training, Gahara, Kirehe, Kigina, Rusumo, Nyarubuye, and Nyabitare health centers successfully initiated ultrasound services.

Partogram: Marie Agnes –  GLNM Class of 2022

This quality improvement project introduced the use of the recommended partograph at the Rwanda Military Hospital maternity unit. This strategic implementation significantly improved maternal and neonatal outcomes during labor and delivery. Noteworthy is the Ministry of Health’s accreditation, recommending the adoption of this practice in other hospitals.

Emmanuel Barutwanayo – Family-Centered Maternity Care

Emmanuel Barutwanayo from GLNM Class of 2022 implemented the innovative concept of Family-Centered Maternity Care at King Faizal Hospital. This holistic approach was meticulously designed to address the informational, social, emotional, comfort, and support needs of expecting mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. The project garnered immense recognition and was voted the most outstanding initiative during King Faizal Hospital Research Week, earning an award of Rwf 800,000. Notably, the hospital has seamlessly integrated this practice into its maternal care protocols, marking a significant milestone in patient-centered healthcare services.