On 5 November 2025, the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), together with the Government of Denmark and the World Bank, officially launched construction works to upgrade Nyarubuye Health Center into a Medicalized Health Facility under the SEIRHCP/Jya Mbere Project.

Refugees and host communities in Kirehe District are set to benefit from improved, high-quality, and life-saving health services through this transformative initiative. The upgraded facility will directly serve more than 35,000 people, with projections showing that over 200,000 individuals will rely on the health center by 2037 as healthcare needs continue to grow.

Funded under the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities Project (SEIRHCP/Jya Mbere), the upgrade is supported by an additional USD 4.4 million grant from the Government of Denmark. This investment has positioned Nyarubuye Health Center as one of the flagship interventions aimed at promoting socio-economic inclusion and expanding essential services for both refugees and host communities.

Located near Mahama Refugee Camp; Rwanda’s largest refugee settlement hosting over 70,000 refugees, the upgraded facility will significantly enhance equitable and timely access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. Government representatives and development partners expressed strong support, emphasizing the upgrade as a milestone in fostering resilience, inclusion, and shared prosperity.

The Minister in Charge of Emergency Management, Hon. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that refugees and host communities have access to affordable, quality healthcare. He stressed the importance of merging humanitarian and development efforts to achieve long-term, community-centered impact.

Dr. Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager, highlighted that strengthening healthcare systems is fundamental for community productivity and resilience. He commended Rwanda’s leadership in integrating refugees into national systems and reiterated the World Bank’s ongoing support for inclusive, sustainable development.

The Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Casper Stenger Jensen, emphasized that people-centered, inclusive interventions are key to building strong, resilient communities. He reaffirmed Denmark’s continued partnership with Rwanda to expand essential health services, strengthen maternal care, enhance child health, and improve overall community well-being.

The upgrade of Nyarubuye Health Center is expected to be completed by June 2026, standing as a model of collaborative development that promotes health equity and long-term resilience for both refugees and surrounding communities.

About the Jya Mbere Project

Launched in 2019, the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities Project (SEIRHCP/Jya Mbere) is a flagship Government of Rwanda initiative implemented by MINEMA with funding from the World Bank and support from development partners. The project strengthens socio-economic inclusion by expanding access to basic services, promoting economic opportunities, and enhancing environmental sustainability across refugee-hosting districts including Kirehe, Gatsibo, Karongi, Nyamagabe, Gisagara, Gicumbi, Huye, Bugesera, and Kigali City.

To date, the project has reached more than 700,000 people — including 121,000 refugees and 592,000 host community members. Investments under Jya Mbere have expanded access to upgraded health facilities, modern schools, TVET centers, clean water systems, improved roads, markets, and business development initiatives such as skills training and access to finance.

The Nyarubuye Health Center upgrade stands as a significant step in advancing Rwanda’s vision for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development for all.