Strive Foundation Rwanda

On 25 April 2026, in the spirit of community service (Umuganda), Strive Foundation Rwanda, in collaboration with Rwanda Health, , and other valued partners, joined residents of Kicukiro District, Gahanga Sector, City of Kigali to mark World Malaria Day. Guided by the global theme “Driven to End Malaria,” the initiative united community members, local leaders, and health stakeholders around a shared goal of eliminating malaria.

Activities included community mobilization, environmental clean-up, and awareness on key prevention measures such as treated consistent mosquito net use and early health-seeking behavior. The exercise also integrated on-site malaria testing and prompt treatment, improving access to essential health services.

From July 2025 to March 2026, Kicukiro District registered more than 65,000 malaria cases—about 7% of the national burden—with Gahanga Sector contributing 15,000 cases. While these figures underscore the scale of the challenge, the strong local response, particularly through environmental management efforts, signals meaningful progress and renewed hope.

Together, we remain committed to ending malaria.

Reaching the Most Vulnerable: How Field Officers Make a Difference

In the most remote parts of Western Province, Rwanda, continues to make a meaningful impact.
The SFR field officers team travels across remote areas of and to ensure that no family is left behind.

During their visits, field officers engage directly with project participants, especially children in vulnerable households(child headed households). They review school progress, encourage improved academic performance, and guide children and their families to remain disciplined and focused on their future.

Beyond education, SFR promotes practical solutions to everyday challenges. Supported families are equipped with knowledge on smart farming practices, including growing food crops, as well as proper waste management through composting. These simple yet effective approaches help improve food security and living conditions.

More importantly, these visits go beyond service delivery they build trust, restore hope, and strengthen resilience within families. Through consistent support and guidance, SFR is helping communities move towards a more stable and self-reliant future. Aktion Tagwerk Human Help Network Bernard Muramira

Last week on 17th April 2026, at Maison de Jeunes Kimisagara in the City of Kigali-NyarugengeDistrict, the vibe was all about learning, empowerment, and good energy! Strive Foundation Rwanda (SFR), together with Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and other partners, rolled out another exciting phase of the ongoing World AIDS Day (WAD) 2025 campaign keeping the momentum strong in the fight against HIV.

This wasn’t just an event it was a safe and engaging space for young people, especially Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), to connect, learn, and speak openly about real-life issues. From HIV and STI prevention to TB, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and gender-based violence (GBV), the sessions were interactive, relatable, and youth-centered.

One of the biggest highlights was the youth-friendly support centre set up by SFR, where participants accessed free HIV self-test kits and condoms, empowering them to take control of their health confidently and privately. Guidance was also provided on how to use the kits, understand the results, and seek further care when needed.

And it didn’t stop there! To make the day even more impactful and memorable, participants also received supportive gifts like school bags, reinforcing the message that their health, education, and future all matter.

Through music performances, dance, drama, acrobatic dance, and open quiz conversations, and community engagement, young people were able to break stigma, ask questions freely, and build confidence in making informed health choices.

This ongoing WAD campaign proves that when young people are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and support, they can lead the change. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger, and HIV-free generation. Rwanda Health Global Fund for Women The Global Fund City of Kigali Health Development Initiative-Rwanda (HDI) Rwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion

Today, on the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Strive Foundation Rwanda stands with all Rwandans to remember and honor the lives lost.

Targeted Community Outreach and Mobilization Campaign on Malaria Prevention in Kicukiro District

From March 31st to April 2nd, 2026, Strive Foundation Rwanda (SFR), in collaboration with and , successfully implemented a targeted community outreach and mobilization campaign on malaria prevention across Gahanga, Kanombe, and Masaka sectors in Kicukiro District. The campaign aimed to bring essential health services closer to communities and strengthen awareness and practices related to malaria prevention and treatment, particularly in identified hotspot areas.

The campaign was officially launched on March 31st, 2026, in Kagasa Cell, Gahanga Sector, one of the areas most affected by malaria. The launch event was conducted in partnership with the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development Affairs (Deputy District Executive Administrator (DDEA) of Kicukiro District and the Social and Behaviour Change Advisor (SBC Advisor) from Jhpiego. It marked the beginning of a strategic, community-centered intervention designed to enhance knowledge, promote preventive behaviors, and improve early treatment-seeking practices.

During the first day, a total of 587 community members participated, including 180 men and 407 women, reflecting strong community engagement and a growing commitment to malaria prevention efforts. The outreach featured comprehensive health education sessions delivered by healthcare providers and implementing partners. Key focus areas included the consistent use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), introduction to the Multiple First-line Treatment (MFT) approach and its benefits, the importance of seeking early medical care when experiencing fever, and maintaining environmental hygiene to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The sessions were highly interactive, allowing community members to ask questions, clarify doubts, and address misconceptions about malaria. Observations from the field indicated strong participation, particularly among women, and a high level of interest and willingness to adopt recommended practices. These engagements underscored the importance of sustained community outreach in driving behavioral change and improving health outcomes.

Following the successful launch, the campaign continued on April 1, 2026, in Busanza Cell, Kanombe Sector, and concluded on April 2, 2026, covering additional areas including Masaka Sector. The closing phase of the campaign was attended by senior leadership, including the Strive Foundation Rwanda Executive Director-Mr Muramira Bernard and officials from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), demonstrating high-level commitment to malaria prevention initiatives.

Across the three days, the campaign reached a total of direct 598 participants through intensified community sensitization in hotspot areas. Emphasis remained on preventive measures such as proper LLIN use, environmental management, and awareness of multiple first-line treatment options. In recognition of exemplary local efforts, 17 community leaders were awarded LLINs for achieving 100 percent Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) coverage in their respective areas.

Generally, the campaign significantly strengthened community knowledge, encouraged positive behavioral change, and reinforced the importance of collective action in combating malaria. The success of this initiative highlights the effectiveness of coordinated partnerships and community-driven approaches in reducing malaria risks and improving public health in Kicukiro District

Strive Foundation Rwanda's supervision of the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) mass distribution campaign is actively ongoing across , , and in Kigali. The exercise has recorded strong community turnout at distribution sites, reflecting increased awareness and engagement in malaria prevention efforts. Collaboration among partners, including health workers and local leaders, has ensured effective coordination and smooth implementation of activities. The campaign is progressing well, with teams committed to reaching all targeted households. Distribution continues steadily across the city, reinforcing the collective effort to prevent malaria and promote healthier communities through sustained public health interventions. City of Kigali Rwanda Health Rwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion Rwanda Civil Society Platform World Health Organization (WHO)

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Strive Foundation Rwanda (SFR), in collaboration with Rwanda Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and the districts of Gasabo District, Kicukiro District, and Nyarugenge District, successfully concluded the official launch of the malaria prevention campaign using Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) held on 9–10 March 2026 across the City of Kigali.

The two-day event officially marked the beginning of IRS implementation targeting 140,276 households across nine sectors in Kigali City, including six sectors in Gasabo District, one sector in Kicukiro District, and two sectors in Nyarugenge District. The intervention focuses on areas that have experienced a high burden of malaria in recent years.

Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) is a proven malaria control method that involves spraying insecticides on the interior walls of houses to kill mosquitoes that transmit malaria. By reducing mosquito populations inside homes, the campaign is expected to significantly lower the risk of malaria infection among residents, especially children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable.

The successful conclusion of the launch reflects the strong collaboration between partners and local authorities, reinforcing their commitment to supporting Rwanda’s national efforts to reduce malaria cases and protect communities from preventable diseases. Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda World Health Organization (WHO) City of KigaliRwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion Rwanda Civil Society Platform Rwanda Governance Board - RGB

Strive Foundation Rwanda (SFR), in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and Kicukiro District, officially launched a malaria prevention campaign using Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) on 9th March 2026 in Masaka Sector, Kigali City. The activity aims to strengthen malaria prevention efforts in an area that has recorded a high number of malaria cases in recent years.
Approximately 30,000 people in Masaka sector have been affected by malaria, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention measures. Through this campaign, more than 20,000 households are expected to benefit from indoor residual spraying, a proven malaria control method that involves spraying insecticides on the interior walls of houses to kill mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
The initiative is part of ongoing national and community-level efforts to reduce malaria transmission and improve public health outcomes. By spraying homes in high-risk areas, the intervention will help reduce mosquito populations inside households, thereby lowering the risk of malaria infection among families, especially children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable.
During the launch event, partners emphasized the importance of community participation and cooperation to ensure the success of the campaign. Residents were encouraged to allow spray teams to access their homes and to follow recommended malaria prevention practices.
Through this collaboration, SFR, RBC, and Kicukiro District reaffirm their commitment to supporting Rwanda’s broader goal of reducing malaria cases and protecting communities from preventable diseases. Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda Rwanda Health Rwanda Civil Society Platform City of Kigali Rwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion World Health Organization (WHO)

In a continued effort to strengthen community-based Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) interventions, conducted a capacity-building session with 20-peer educators and youth champions from Community YEWE Clubs in Kagano Sector Nyamasheke District. The session was held at the SFR’s Nyamasheke Regional Office with the objective of strengthening participants’ knowledge and practical skills in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The training covered key topics including understanding the menstrual cycle, family planning methods, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention and testing, menstrual hygiene management, body changes during adolescence, and various forms of . Participants engaged in interactive discussions that helped clarify myths and misconceptions surrounding reproductive health. Special emphasis was placed on explaining fertile periods to support prevention of unintended pregnancies and promoting informed choices regarding modern family planning methods.

In addition, the session addressed strategies, the importance of regular testing, and stigma reduction within communities. Discussions on GBV highlighted its different forms either physical, emotional, sexual, or economic violence while emphasizing prevention, reporting mechanisms, and the role of youth in protecting vulnerable peers.

Participants also reviewed the current situation of teen pregnancies within their respective groups and explored practical strategies to strengthen awareness and prevention efforts. The session concluded with a reminder of their responsibility to share the knowledge gained through weekly community meetings, ensuring sustained peer-to-peer education and positive behavioral change. Aktion Tagwerk Ministry of Youth, Rwanda Rwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion UNICEF Rwanda Global Fund for Women Global Fund for Children Rwanda Civil Society Platform Government of Rwanda Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion-MIGEPROF European Union in Rwanda Rwanda Governance Board - RGB Health Development Initiative-Rwanda (HDI)