The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) celebrated International Nurses and Midwives Week 2026 through a series of impactful activities that celebrated the nursing and midwifery profession while promoting community health, professional advocacy, and member welfare.
As part of the celebration, RNMU supported the Nursing and Midwifery Students Association of Rwanda (NMSAR) in implementing the SHIELD Project campaign under the theme, "Empowering Girls' Health for Sustainable Development: Combating Teenage Pregnancy, Ending Gender-Based Violence, and Advancing Youth Reproductive Health and Well-being." Conducted in Kayonza, Rwamagana, and Huye districts, the campaign raised awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), teenage pregnancy prevention, nutrition, and community well-being through school-based sensitization sessions and community outreach activities, reaching students, adolescents, mothers, and local communities.
To amplify the voice of the profession, RNMU also organized a four-day television awareness campaign on BTN TV from 5–8 May 2026. The discussions brought together experienced nurses, midwives, and students to address key topics including the contribution of midwives to safe childbirth, the impact of midwife shortages on maternal and newborn health, the importance of empowering nurses through education and leadership development, and the critical role nurses play in building a resilient and effective health system.
Demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of its members, RNMU also provided sustainable social support to Murekatete Jovia, a nurse living with a long-term disability following an accident that occurred while she was on duty. The support aimed to improve her quality of life and establish sustainable livelihood opportunities through housing improvement, household assistance, and income-generating initiatives
The week concluded with the nationwide celebration of International Nurses and Midwives Day on 12 May 2026. To support the celebrations, RNMU provided financial assistance to all districts to facilitate the preparation of celebration cakes for nurses and midwives across the country. The RNMU Headquarters also hosted an online national celebration, virtually connecting districts in recognition of the dedication and invaluable contributions of nurses and midwives to Rwanda's healthcare system.
Through these activities, RNMU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the nursing and midwifery profession by promoting public awareness, empowering future healthcare professionals, strengthening member welfare, and recognizing the dedication of nurses and midwives across Rwanda.
