Amb. Gashumba shared the update through her X account, where she highlighted their conversation during the Annual Reception hosted by King Frederik André Henrik Christian of Denmark on January 6, 2025.
The event, held at Christiansborg Palace, gathered diplomats and representatives to celebrate the beginning of the new year.
'At the annual reception hosted by Their Majesties, I had the honor of meeting Queen Mary, a passionate advocate for Global Health, who praised Rwanda's health progress,' Dr. Gashumba posted on X.
The Queen expressed a strong interest in strengthening ties between Rwanda and Denmark, especially with the anticipated opening of the Danish Embassy in Kigali.
Queen Mary Elizabeth also acknowledged the collaboration between the Maternity Foundationâ€"an organization she supports, which advocates for maternal and child health worldwideâ€"and the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Association (RMA). This partnership aims to ensure safe childbirth for mothers in Rwanda.
'This conversation reaffirmed the power of partnerships to transform lives and build a healthier future for all. Together, we explored how strong partnerships can transform communities,' Dr. Gashumba remarked.
Rwanda's maternal and child health achievements
Over the past two decades, Rwanda has reduced maternal mortality by 80%, showcasing its dedication to improving healthcare systems.
According to the Statistical Year Book 2024 by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), maternal mortality rates have fallen from 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 203 per 100,000.
This decline reflects the success of targeted healthcare policies and investments in maternal health.
Key contributors include increased antenatal care coverage, with 98% of mothers in Rwanda receiving at least one antenatal visit by 2023. Early detection and timely interventions have played a vital role in preventing maternal deaths.
Skilled birth attendance has also improved significantly, with 94% of deliveries now assisted by trained health professionals, ensuring safer outcomes for both mothers and newborns.
Additionally, infant and under-five mortality rates have seen notable reductions. Infant mortality decreased from 107 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 33 in 2023, while under-five mortality dropped from 196 to 45 per 1,000 live births.
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