A healthcare support project funded by Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has helped 14,904 people in Rwanda access community-based health insurance over the past year, according to Qatar Charity.
The initiative covers beneficiaries’ contributions to Rwanda’s community-based health insurance scheme, known as Mutuelle de Santé, helping vulnerable households obtain healthcare without facing additional financial pressure.
The project is implemented by Qatar Charity in coordination with Rwandan government institutions and aims to improve access to essential medical services for families with limited financial means.
Godfrey Kayigana, director general of Social Affairs and Community Development at the Ministry of Local Government, highlighted the project’s contribution to expanding healthcare access during follow-up visits to assess its implementation.
Kayigana commended Qatar Charity for managing the initiative and using transparent criteria to select beneficiaries, saying such efforts help ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. He also described the organisation as a trusted partner in humanitarian and development work.
Beneficiaries were selected in coordination with the Ministry of Local Government and the Mufti of the Republic of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigana. The selection process prioritised families facing the greatest needs.
During field visits, the delegation met beneficiaries who said the insurance support had made it easier for them to seek medical care. Some explained that limited incomes and competing household expenses had previously made it difficult to afford healthcare.
By covering insurance contributions, the project seeks to reduce that financial barrier while supporting the health and well-being of vulnerable families.
The initiative forms part of Qatar’s broader support for humanitarian and development programmes implemented through Qatar Charity, with a focus on social protection and access to essential services.
For participating households, the support provides a means of accessing healthcare through Rwanda’s existing community-based insurance system, while reducing the burden of paying insurance contributions from limited family budgets.
