Rwanda Aims to Place Primary Health Centers in Schools and Markets

Kigali, 19 March 2026 - The Ministry of Health (MINISANTE) announced plans to establish primary health centers in schools and crowded public spaces, including markets, to provide timely medical care to students and residents. Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, emphasized that while some schools have medical facilities, they often lack trained personnel. The new initiative will help address injuries, infectious diseases, and mental health needs directly at schools and busy public areas. Dr. Nsanzimana also highlighted Rwanda’s ongoing program to train nurses in secondary schools, projecting that by 2028, over 3,000 secondary-school-trained nurses will graduate. This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare delivery across clinics, schools, and local communities. “Having a large number of trained nurses will ensure sufficient staff where they are most needed,” said Dr. Nsanzimana, noting that the program is part of a broader effort to quadruple Rwanda’s healthcare workforce. The Ministry continues to receive requests from educational institutions to offer nursing programs, reflecting growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the country.