“Strengthening and Studying Community-Based, Integrated Primary Health Care Systems in Rural Rwanda”
Grantee Institution:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Inc.
Team Leaders:
- Michael Rich, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Partners in Health, Rwanda - Agnes Binagwaho, M.D.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Rwanda
Project Summary:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, Partners In Health and the Government of Rwanda will implement a PHIT Partnership in two rural districts in Rwanda. Integrated primary healthcare will be delivered through a coordinated, district-wide network of care, including community health workers, strengthened health centers and district hospitals, and robust district-wide referral. The project will pilot the Rwandan Government’s national rural healthcare framework, providing a roadmap for implementation nationally.
Implementation research will evaluate the model’s efficacy in improving population health and access to care, complemented by evaluation of its cost and cost-effectiveness. Operations research will contribute new knowledge in evidence-based approaches to healthcare delivery while building capacity with government and academic partners in Rwanda.
The project aims for impact on multiple levels, from a healthier local population, to stronger district health systems, to global advances as lessons learned help guide further expansion of primary healthcare in Rwanda and beyond.