The project was formally launched on November 1, 2024, at Mukono Health Center in Gicumbi District, which serves residents from four villages in three nearby sectors.
During the week between October 28 and November 1, 2024, over 3,000 trees were planted across 24 health centers and at Byumba Hospital. At Mukono Health Center alone, where the official launch was held, more than 200 fruit trees were planted.
RNMU leadership stated that this tree-planting effort is the first phase of a larger initiative that will eventually extend to all districts, aiming to plant nearly a million trees over the next five years.
RNMU President, André Gitembagara, highlighted that the tree-planting exercise aligns with a mission to enhance quality healthcare based on environmental sustainability.
'The health we help people maintain wouldn't be possible without a protected environment. We first educated nurses and midwives, both students and professionals, on the importance of environmental care so they could actively participate in planting these trees,' he explained.
He further highlighted the choice to prioritize fruit-bearing trees: 'We focus on fruit-bearing trees because we believe that patients and visitors at health centers benefit from these trees. When they see well-kept trees bearing fruit, they have access to fresh produce and even shaded areas, which adds value to their experience."
Mukono Health Center's Director, Ennock Gatwaza, noted that the center had a large open area with limited tree cover. He expressed optimism that the newly planted trees would benefit visitors, especially those with poor nutrition.
'Patients visiting here can pick fruit from these trees. For example, children suffering from malnutrition can enjoy avocados, which provide essential nutrients like natural sugars needed for children under five,' he said.
Jean Marie Vianney Mbonyintwari, Gicumbi's Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Welfare, said that planting fruit trees in the district is expected to yield substantial benefits in fighting malnutrition and stunting in children.
'Planting fruit trees is a significant step in combating child stunting, which currently affects 19.2% of children here. We aim to plant at least three trees per household and educate residents on caring for them, as this will benefit them directly,' he explained.
'We greatly appreciate the contribution of partners like RNMU, who provided 3,000 trees and fertilizer, while we continue to play our part,' Mbonyintwari added.
He reiterated that Gicumbi District aims to eradicate child stunting entirely, and he believes that fruit trees will play a crucial role in this endeavor.
IGIHE
