Kigali, Rwanda: The UAE-led humanitarian initiative, Beyond2020 will now offer critical access to healthcare services to a rural population of 20,000 people.
Through the initiative, Rwanda’s Nyaruguru and Rubavu districts which often lagged behind when compared to the rest of the country in terms of health access and outcomes, will receive sustainable and affordable primary care.
BEYOND2020
Launched by the Zayed Sustainability Prize in partnership with numerous leading organizations, Beyond2020 aims to extend its humanitarian legacy by donating sustainable technologies and solutions to vulnerable communities around the world.
The east-central Africa country would be the initiative’s eleventh deployment, which will continue to offer life-transforming interventions to a broader number of beneficiaries worldwide, providing tech for good and fostering development that is inclusive and sustainable.
The UAE is proud to support critical access to healthcare in Rwanda through its humanitarian initiative, Beyond2020. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the greatest test for healthcare globally. Expanding access to robust and resilient healthcare systems is of pivotal importance in managing the post-COVID-19 recovery, especially when it comes to overcoming service disruptions.
Mr. Hazza Mohammed Al Qahtani, UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, remarked while speaking about the initiative.
Mr. Al Qahtan further added that, “In recognition of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, the nation is now driving forward its 10 Principles for the next 50 years under the guidance and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership. One of the principles prioritizes foreign humanitarian aid as an essential part of the UAE’s vision, inspired by the ambitions of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, to help international communities achieve sustainable economic and social development.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE stated that, “Universal access to health care is one of Rwanda’s top priorities. We value the intervention by Beyond2020 and its partners which aligns directly with the Rwanda Government’s ongoing efforts to increase access to a more modern and world-class health apparatus for its people.”
Further, Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), a partner of the initiative observed that, “The Beyond2020 initiative directly aligns with ADFD’s mission to provide strategic financial support and other tools that help strengthen capacity and build self-sufficiency for developing countries to achieve high priority economic and social development objectives while advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals. This new project in Rwanda is an excellent example of the tangible impacts on people’s lives by giving them access to universal healthcare through medical clinics in rural communities.”
THE DEPLOYMENT
Beyond2020 has facilitated the setup of four clinics in disadvantaged communities, while four nurses have been empowered and trained in business management and 12 new jobs have been created to support operations across the four businesses.
The clinics also provide direct surveillance, screening, and referral of any suspected cases of COVID-19 or other emerging epidemics.
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Mubadala Petroleum and Masdar are few of the high-profile partners who associate with Beyond2020.