Training of health care providers and educators, Rwanda

Objectives

The 1994 genocide in Rwanda destroyed a significant portion of the country's healthcare system and the loss of qualified health personnel due to fatalities and exile. This dire situation created a severe shortage of skilled healthcare providers in Rwanda.

This project represents the second phase of a previously funded diabetes project in Rwanda, titled "Diabetes training of 24 para-medicals" (WDF05-112). In the first phase, 24 healthcare providers received training in diabetes care, resulting in an increased number of diabetes diagnoses. The responsibility for implementing phase I was held by the French Diabetes Association (AFD). However, in phase II, this responsibility has been transitioned to the Rwandan Diabetes Association (ARD), reinforcing local ownership of the project.

The project aims to enhance diabetes care in Rwanda by training healthcare providers in diabetes diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Approach

In collaboration with the AFD and the Rwandan Government, the ARD will conduct five training courses in diabetes care and prevention. Each training session will involve the training of 24 para-medical professionals in diabetes diagnostics, treatment, as well as primary and secondary prevention of diabetes. The project will utilize the Diabetes Practice Guidelines and the Diabetes Educational Manual developed by the International Diabetes Federation as foundational resources for these training courses.

The 120 para-medical professionals trained during the ARD courses must pass on their knowledge to at least five other healthcare personnel in their respective regions. This "training cascade" approach will result in 720 healthcare staff members being trained through the project.

In addition to healthcare staff training, the project will establish diabetes registers in healthcare facilities and organize workshops for journalists to raise awareness and understanding of diabetes within the media.

Results at completion

- Training of 100 dctors and 229 nurses, who then provided training to additional 407 nurses. 407 newly educated nurses further educated 867 nurses.