A pinnacle of academic, research, and leadership development, CARTA’S cohort 10 fellow, Alice Muhayimana, of the University of Rwanda, has been actively involved in organizing and implementing activities to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on maternal and newborn health. These initiatives have focused on educating the community about the adverse effects of climate change and providing actionable strategies for mitigation. Their goal was to equip midwives, healthcare workers, and the general public with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges posed by climate change on maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

During her fellowship with CARTA, she had the opportunity to attend an online short course on Gender-Based Analysis for Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change, offered by the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. This course enhanced her understanding and ability to contribute to community outreach activities by integrating gender perspectives into climate change discussions and health interventions.

The CARTA program has been instrumental in shaping her approach to community outreach by promoting awareness, education, and capacity-building initiatives. These activities have fostered greater collaboration at the institutional level increased knowledge and awareness of climate change and mitigation strategies at the individual level and contributed positively to the health and well-being of the residents of Rwamagana District of Rwanda, including Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital, Rwamagana Health Center, Kigabiro Sector, and Groupe Scolaire Saint Aloys Rwamagana. They provided education to midwives, nurses, student associate nurses, and the general population in the community. Before these efforts, the audience was largely unaware of climate change, its impact on maternal and newborn health, and strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. After the workshop, they became informed and knowledgeable about these critical issues.

Alice attributes this achievement to CARTA through her holistic participation as a CARTA fellow. The knowledge she gained in climate change during her fellowship was shared during the community outreach session. Other contributors to this initiative included the Rwanda Association of Midwives, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rwamagana district leaders, and the leaders of the community outreach sites.

Photo Credits: Alice Muhayimana, cohort 10, participates in a community outreach initiative in Rwamagana District of Rwanda