The Republic of Korea contributes US$900,000 to strengthen essential healthcare, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda,  – 1 April 2025  – The Republic of Korea has contributed US$900,000 to UNICEF Rwanda to support the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Infrastructure strengthen and sustain essential health, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for children and families across the country. The funding, provided through ACT-A investments, will accelerate progress toward achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).

Maintaining and strengthening essential health services through ACT-A investments is a global Health-WASH programme funded by the Republic of Korea (ROK) for the last two years. In the first year of programme, 22 countries across seven regions received support. In year 2 from December 2024 to December 2025, there are 34 countries participating in the programme, with a specific focus on accelerating action in Africa.

This generous contribution to Rwanda will help enhance maternal and child health, improve access to adequate WASH services in healthcare facilities, and strengthen healthcare delivery systems in Rwanda. Over the past two decades, Rwanda has significantly reduced maternal and child mortality, with the under-five mortality rate dropping from 198 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 45 per 1,000 in 2020. However, recent stagnation in these improvements highlights the need for continued investment in healthcare and WASH services.

“The Republic of Korea’s support is instrumental in ensuring that children and families, especially those in underserved communities, have access to essential health and WASH services. This investment will help strengthen the delivery of healthcare and WASH systems, hence directly and indirectly positively impacting the lives of children and women in Rwanda.,” said Ms. Lieke van de Wiel, UNICEF Representative in Rwanda.

The US$900,000 contribution will be allocated to key initiatives, including:

• Improving essential health care services, including immunization for children: Improving healthcare infrastructure, medical resources, and service delivery for mothers and young children in primary health care.
• Expanding WASH Initiatives: Providing clean water and sanitation facilities in health facilities to promote better hygiene and disease prevention.
• Capacity-building of community health workers: Training, equipping, and supporting frontline community health workers, for digitally enabled provision of essential health services.

This initiative reflects UNICEF Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind by strengthening health systems and expanding access to essential services.

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For further inquiries, please contact:

JUN Hyowon

Political & Economic Advisor

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kigali 
hwjun20@mofa.go.kr