Dr. Nsanzimana made the call on Thursday during a two-day working visit to the Southern Province, where he is assessing the quality of healthcare services at primary and secondary health facilities while also engaging communities and young people on health and wellbeing.
In Nyanza District, the minister visited Nyamiyaga Health Centre, Gati and Gasoro Health Posts, as well as Nyanza District Hospital, assessing the delivery of health services from the community level to specialised care.
The facilities form part of Rwanda's decentralised healthcare network, which includes Community Health Workers (CHWs), health posts and health centres.
According to the Ministry of Health, these services have helped reduce travel time for patients by up to 45 minutes and can manage up to 95% of healthcare service demand, bringing care closer to communities.
During the visits, Dr. Nsanzimana engaged with frontline health workers, particularly Community Health Workers, whom he described as the backbone of Rwanda's health system.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that increased access to healthcare is matched by quality services, reaffirming that 'decentralized, quality care remains a top priority.'
The minister also met students from different schools in Nyanza as they marked the start of the new academic year.
Following a friendly volleyball match, he encouraged the students to make physical activity part of their lives and to resist peer pressure that could lead them to substance abuse.
Reminding them that they 'only have one body,' Dr. Nsanzimana urged the students to make responsible choices that would protect their health and support their education and future.
Artists DJ Ira, Nel Ngabo and Tom Close also took part in the event, performing for the students while reinforcing the message on sobriety, healthy living and commitment to education.
