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Rwanda’s primary health care strategy improves access to essential and life-saving health services
In Rwanda, the ‘land of a thousand hills’, reaching the nearest health facility usually means a long walk that, until recently, took an average of 95 minutes. Although the walking time was halved to 47 minutes in 2020, it is still a challenge for many people to access health care in a timely manner. Through an innovative approach that brings greater numbers of health posts close to communities, the Government aims to further reduce walking time to under 25 minutes by 2024. The health posts serve as an interface between community health workers and health centres. Here, health workers provide essential primary care services and make referrals to hospitals for specialized services, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the health system and improving the way people receive the care they need. The health posts have also contributed to an effective national response to COVID-19, with communities still able to access basic care despite the crisis.