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  • Support to One Stop Shops in Vietnam

    Support to One Stop Shops in Vietnam


    Erwin DICKENS | 29/09/2017

    The Administrative Procedure Controlling Agency (Government Office - Prime Minister Office) requested BTC through OXFAM to give some input on One Stop Shops (OSS) international experiences.Actually, APCA is drafting new guidelines on implementation of OSS. The meeting was presided by the director as well as all deputy directors and 30 staff. BTC proposed a short presentation (20 minutes) which was than followed by a very interesting discussion and exchange of ideas (2 hours).OSS is the result of an organizational development process in which an administration transits from a classical "functional departmental structure” to a front desk - back office service oriented organisation.The main items on the agenda for this reorganisation are :optimising procedures by applying the no-duplication principle, adjusting human resources in line with updated ToR, use of IT tools and finally, the budget implications. Putting in place a successful OSS organisation requires long term effort and vision. Long term means at least a 10 year period before OSS becomes the “new normal”. APCA expressed a lot of interest and assistance of BTC to exchange with counterparts in Belgium, more in particular with the department for Simplification (Dienst Administratieve Vereenvoudiging), BOSA (Digitale Transformatie, P&O) and FeDICT. Furthermore, BTC was asked to comment upon the new draft. BTC support is not only useful for APCA but definitely for the RALG (Responsive and Accountable Local Governance) project where BTC support local governments in improving communication and service delivery towards citizens. It shows our multi-level approach as to enhance sustainability.


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    Vietnam VIE1204811

  • Les femmes au pouvoir à Isangi!

    Les femmes au pouvoir à Isangi!


    Julie CLAASSENS | 27/09/2017

    Maman Ruth, pendant l'atelier de renforcement des capacités en leadership et entrepreneuriat féminin à Isangi: "Je suis présidente d’une organisation paysanne féminine. Au début on avait quelques hommes dans notre organisation, mais cela causait surtout des problèmes: ils tombaient amoureux des membres féminines et voulaient abandonner leurs femmes! Ils nous compliquaient la vie au lieu d'apporter un surplus. Cet atelier était très intéressant pour moi. J’ai de nouveau du courage et de l’espoir. C’est-à-dire: beaucoup de femmes sont convaincues qu’on aura toujours besoin des hommes et qu’on doit pas être trop indépendantes, mais ce n’est pas vrai. Ici j’ai de nouveau appris qu’on est dans le bon et qu’on doit continuer sans se poser trop de questions.Ce qu’on a déjà réalisé ? On gagne de l’argent avec nos activités agricoles et on choisit des projets communs à financer. En ce moment, tout le monde dans mon village dort sur un matelas, plutôt qu'au sol comme auparavant. En plus, toutes les femmes ont des marmites de qualité maintenant, ce qui leur permet de mieux cuisiner. Notre prochain projet consiste en équiper toutes nos maisons d’un toit en tôle. On va y arriver, j’en suis sûre !"


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    DR Congo RDC1217711

  • Du savon Kasaïen pour une meilleure scolarité!

    Du savon Kasaïen pour une meilleure scolarité!


    Julie CLAASSENS | 26/09/2017

    Sur le territoire de Ngandajika, le programme EDUKOR appuie environ cinq instituts techniques et centres de formation professionnelle, notamment dans la mise en œuvre des filières comme l’agriculture générale, le vétérinaire, la transformation alimentaire, la menuiserie, la mécanique moto, la restauration, le service traiteur et l’imprimerie. En faisant cela, une attention particulière est apportée à l’insertion professionnelle des jeunes sortants, surtout des jeunes filles, afin de construire avec eux leur projet de vie. Tout d’abord des mécanismes et des synergies ont été mis en place, ainsi qu’un projet d’entrepreneuriat avec les femmes des communautés environnantes, qui sont également les mamans des jeunes élèves des établissements appuyés. En ce moment presque septante mamans entrepreneuses fabriquent du savon et de l’huile de palme, une activité génératrice de revenus qui leur permet de subvenir aux payements des frais scolaires de leurs enfants à l’Institut Technique Agricole Vétérinaire de Ngandajika. En plus, il y a encore quatre projets d’activités génératrices de revenus en menuiserie, construction métallique, transformation alimentaire et petit élevage qui ont été installés. Les participants sont renforcés en entrepreneuriat, comptabilité et formation technique.  Finalement, six projets d’auto-emploi pour les sortants de 2016 ont également reçu ce même appui pour mettre en œuvre leur microentreprise en menuiserie, culture maraichère et élevage de lapin. Avec un budget de 145 000 euros, EDUKOR a pu impulser, financer, suivre et coacher ces treize projets, créant ainsi cent-dix-sept nouveaux postes de travail et améliorant l’économie familiale de nombreuses familles dans la zone d’intervention, en offrant de meilleures perspectives. 


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    DR Congo RDC1217211

  • Le Forum Santé

    Le Forum Santé


    Aïda SECK | 26/09/2017

    Revivez les moments forts du Forum Santé au Sénégal, rencontre internationale sur les Innovations pour la Couverture Santé Universelle. 


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    Senegal SEN1002711

  • Les ouvrages hydro-agricoles dans le bassin arachidier au Sénégal - vidéo du project

    Les ouvrages hydro-agricoles dans le bassin arachidier au Sénégal - vidéo du projet


    Guido COUCK | 25/09/2017

    Pour améliorer de façon durable la productivité agricole dans le bassin arachidier, le projet de Bassins de Rétention et de Valorisation de Forages (BARVAFOR), financé par le Sénégal et la Belgique, accompagne les communes bénéficiaires à disposer de ressources en eau plus importantes pour développer de nouveaux moyens de production modernes.Le projet répond ainsi au double enjeu du changement climatique et de l’augmentation de la production vers une réelle sécurité alimentaire au niveau national. Il vise plus particulièrement à renforcer la production agro-sylvo-pastorale dans les régions de Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack et Thiès par le développement de la petite irrigation.L’intervention réalise des bassins de rétention des eaux de ruissellement (digues semi-filtrantes et digues de retenue), des digues anti-sel pour protéger et récupérer des terres salées, et le rééquipement de forages dans l’optique d’une valorisation agricole du surplus d’eau mis à disposition.


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    Senegal SEN1002411

  • AFRICA CODE WEEK TRAINING OF TRAINERS

    AFRICA CODE WEEK TRAINING OF TRAINERS


    William YEKA | 25/09/2017

    Coding is a blue colour skill essential for the 21st century workforce. This year, BTC Uganda is supporting the extension of Africa Code Week to Vocational Training Institutions (VTIs). Check out what transpired during the Africa Code Week Training of Trainers (TOTs) at Makerere University in Kampala. 


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    Uganda UGA1402711

  • Stringing of power lines in Rwamagana District

    Stringing of power lines in Rwamagana District


    Alexis DE HERDE | 25/09/2017

    In Rwamagana District (Eastern Province), the Tunisian contractor STEG began last week the stringing of power lines for the Be EARP project. Be EARP is implemented by BTC, in partnership  with the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and aims to provide sufficient, reliable and affordable on-grid electricity services for households, priority public institutions and businesses. The first connections are expected to arise in the last quarter of 2017!


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    Rwanda RWA1208111

  • Renforcement des organisations paysannes à Isangi en gestion financière et administrative.

    A Isangi, les organisations paysannes sont renforcées en gestion financière et administrative.


    Julie CLAASSENS | 20/09/2017

    Fin juillet, l’antenne de la CTB basée dans le territoire d’Isangi, situé à 127 de la ville de Kisangani, a organisé un atelier de renforcement des capacités au bénéfice des délégués des organisations paysannes. La formation ciblait principalement les secrétaires et les caissiers de ces organisations, mais aussi les animateurs endogènes, les animateurs ruraux et les chefs de cellules du développement rural des secteurs.  Les trente participants, dont dix femmes, ont eu droit à différents modules portant notamment sur la tenue des documents comptables et des supports de gestion administrative comme les statuts, le règlement intérieur, les fiches d’adhésion des membres, etc. L’objectif visé était d’améliorer le fonctionnement des organisations paysannes et la qualité des services qu’elles rendent à leurs membres, ce qui pourra avoir comme conséquences positives l’augmentation de la production agricole et du revenu des ménages, et l’amélioration de l’économie locale, étant entendu que la grande majorité d’organisations paysannes vit des travaux des champs.Comme témoignait un animateur sur place : « Il ne suffit pas d’adopter les bonnes techniques culturales, mais encore faut-il que les organisations paysannes soient bien gérées sur les plans financière et administrative pour qu’elles puissent produire plus et induire ainsi le développement économique local »      


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    DR Congo RDC1217711

  • Une étroite collaboration public-privé en Haut-Katanga porte ses fruits!

    Une étroite collaboration public-privé en Haut-Katanga porte ses fruits!


    Julie CLAASSENS | 20/09/2017

    En Haut-Katanga, le projet Edukat accompagne des lauréats des écoles techniques à la recherche d'emploi et cela en étroite collaboration avec le secteur privé. Tout d'abord les lauréats sont sélectionnés sur base de critères définis. Ensuite, ceux qui sont retenus assistent à des séances d'information et à des entretiens individuels sur l'emploi salarié et l'auto-emploi.  Ultérieurement, ils suivent des formations en recherche d’emploi et, pour les lauréats entrepreneurs, en formulation d’un business plan. Ils acquièrent des compétences très concrètes, notamment comment écrire un CV, par où commencer afin de trouver un travail ou mettre en place leur propre business. De cette manière, petit à petit,  les lauréats se préparent  à l’environnement de l’entreprise et au marché de l’emploi. L’avant-dernière étape est l’amélioration de certaines de leurs compétences techniques et enfin, cerise sur le gâteau, le stage professionnel que ces lauréats effectuent dans des entreprises sélectionnées. Vu que le Haut-Katanga est une région minière,  certaines de ces lauréats font ce stage dans une entreprise du secteur des mines, comme dans le film ci-dessus. En deux ans, Edukat a accompagné environ 200 lauréats et leur nombre croît chaque jour. 


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    DR Congo RDC1216911

  • Les radios partenaires de la CTB renforcent leurs capacités en matière de vulgarisation agricole, un beau exemple de C4D.

    Les radios partenaires de la CTB renforcent leurs capacités en matière de vulgarisation agricole, un beau exemple de C4D.


    Julie CLAASSENS | 19/09/2017

    Dans le cadre de l’appui au développement agricole, le Programme de Développement Agricole dans la Tshopo prévoit des activités de vulgarisation des techniques agricoles innovantes et plus respectueuses de l’environnement. Et les meilleurs outils de communication disponibles afin de réaliser ces activités sont les radios communautaires. Au cours des mois précédents, les journalistes et les producteurs des cinq radios communautaires ciblées dans les territoires de Banalia, Isangi et Opala ont pris part à un atelier portant sur la production d’émissions de vulgarisation agricole. Au total soixante personnes ont bénéficié de cette formation qui s’est déroulée sur cinq sites correspondant aux cinq antennes de la CTB Tshopo, c’est-à-dire: Banalia, Isangi, Opala, Yanonge et Yatolema. Sur chaque site, douze participants ont été ciblés dont dix animateurs de radio et deux partenaires au développement, comme l’Inspecteur Territorial du Développement Rural,  l’Inspecteur Territorial de l’Agriculture, le Chef de Cellule du Développement Rural de Secteur et l’Agronome de Secteur.L’atelier avait un double objectif: d’une part renforcer les équipes des radios en production d’émissions de vulgarisation et d’autre part préparer les agronomes de la CTB et les partenaires concernés à l’animation desdites émissions en tant que personnes ressources.Animé par le chargé de communication de la CTB Tshopo, chaque atelier comportait une partie théorique et une partie pratique. D'abord les participants ont suivi une présentation sur la  vulgarisation, la vulgarisation agricole et la démarche à suivre dans la production d’une émission à la radio. Ensuite, ils ont été briefés sur quelques principes de communication dont il faut tenir compte pour faire réussir la vulgarisation.Enfin, pour allier la théorie à la pratique,  le groupe a été scindé en deux et chaque équipe a eu à produire une émission qui a été soumis à la critique de l’ensemble du groupe. L’objectif était d’amener le groupe cible à maîtriser la démarche à suivre et la conduite d’une émission en studio.Les deux émissions produites ont été testées sur un groupe réduit de membres d’organisations paysannes avant de les diffuser à grande échelle.Après cet exercice, les espoirs sont permis de voir les radios partenaires produire et diffuser des émissions de qualité en langues locales sur des différentes techniques agricoles qui permettent d’augmenter la production tout en respectant l’environnement, notamment la délimitation d’un champ, le semis en ligne, la rotation des cultures, l’association des cultures, etc.


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    DR Congo RDC1217711

  • Training workshops for Local Governments

    Training workshops for Local Governments


    Erwin DICKENS | 18/09/2017

    Capacity Development for Planning Reform (CDPR) has supported the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) with two more identical training / workshops in Hanoi (August 2017) and recently in Ho Chi Min City (September 2017). The participants were management officers of MPI at provincial, district and commune level. In total some 160 officers participated in lecture and discussions on international experiences on Spatial Planning and Public Investment Planning. Korean and South East Asian as well as relevant Belgian examples were highlighted. The second part of the training consisted of deepening knowledge on Public Procurement in Vietnam as well as  Public Private Partnership guidelines. Finally, the workshop concluded op the topic of Leadership and Management skills.CDPR is reaching to its completion end. Actually the ex post baseline survey is about to kick off (completion foreseen end Q4 of 2017). Preparations for ETR are ongoing and programmed in Q1 of 2018.


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    Vietnam VIE1204811

  • The journey towards empowering the Capacity and Employement Service Board (CESB)

    The journey towards empowering the Capacity and Employement Service Board (CESB)


    Alexis DE HERDE | 08/09/2017

    The mandate of CESB is to contribute to a strong national workforce and performing organisations that deliver quality services to achieve the national development agenda. To achieve this mission, CESB needs to be internally strong as an organisation. Through the Strategic Approach to Capacity Building project (SACB), BTC has provided technical and financial supports to CESB. Organisational Development Coaching is essential to develop CESB internal capacities.Organisational Development Expert CoachingAll the Organisational Development Coaching interventions aim to provide lasting and sustainable organisational change. Through guidance, advice, training and support, CESB staff are able to gain knowledge and execute themandate leading to organisational development. The focus of the Organisational Development Coaching is to continuously improve and enhance organisational, team, and individual performance with an aim of creating awinning culture for all. The Organisational Development Coaching also focused on skills transfer for example byhelping staff create and design workflows and team accountability for day-to-day standardized process. These areconsolidated in a procedure operating manual, which includes the employee handbook, Human Resource policiesand job descriptions for all CESB staff.CESB Handbook Through the services of an Organisational Development Expert Coach, SACB  nproject has supported the development of the CESB employee handbook entitled “The Link”. With the support of the Organisational Development Expert Coach, the CESB HR Office under the overall supervision of the CESB senior leadership authored the inaugural employee handbook for CESB that links and helps publish employee-friendly applicable policies and practices. The Link is an accessible handbook covering key areas such as Performance Management, Recruitment, Leave management and Code of Conduct. The CESB Human Resource Office and the Organisational Development Expert Coach worked with the department heads to make sure all departments were aligned.Job description for all Employees need to have clarity on their job specifications, reporting lines, key performance indicators and day-to-day interactions with stakeholders in order to perform at their highest potential. The Organisational Development Expert therefore worked with the internal leaders and job holders to articulate their job descriptions in a standardized format. The Job Descriptions are a key tool that informs performance management expectations, support in recruitment processes, informs learning and development requirements and is ultimately a critical tool for succession planning. It also helps communicate with clarity the technical, behavioural and experience profile for a job. In total 81 Job Descriptions for all the roles within CESB were delivered. It has helped organise all staff to become more engaged with the job thanks to enhanced clarity while improving performance standards.Procedure and Operationnal Manual One of the highlights of SACB’s achievements for Organisational Development is the creation of a revived Procedure Operating Manual which is in line with and relevant to the current organisational structure and mandate of CESB. With the POM, CESB is able to explain the provided services to key stakeholders while cutting on time waste and improving quality and efficiency to deliver.Procedures and policies The fundamental controls for an organisation lies in its procedures and policies. It is through these that management set their intent and guide their employees in the execution of their duties. The SACB project supported thedevelopment of policies with the aim of having clear guidelines for different areas in the organisations. CESB employees get to know their rights, whereas the organisations understand what governance measures to put in place.Advancing the strategic role of HR in Rwanda The Government of Rwanda considers Human Resources Development as instrumental for an efficient and effective delivery of the country’s development targets. Through the services of the Organisational Development Coach and in close collaboration with CESB, the SACB projectorganised a training on "Advancing the Strategic Role of HR in Rwanda”. We can point out three major achievements :1. Unpacking of the HR profession and promotion of specific behaviours that HR professional must embody;2. HR practitioners reflected on strategic HR responsibilities and the position of their department in organisations;3. HR practitioners were exposed to current regional and global trends and best practices in HR Management while promoting networking and the exchange of ideas.Through the SACB project, CESB will continue to benefit from organisational development coaching in the coming months. We will keep you posted !


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    Rwanda RWA1208411

  • 17.000 households to get electricity by next year

    17.000 households to get electricity by next year


    Alexis DE HERDE | 08/09/2017

    Current access to electricity in Rwanda is estimated at 34.5% of the population including 27.2% connected to the national grid while the remaining 7.3% are accessing electricity through off-grid solutions. Seven years ago, less than 10% of the population was connected to the national electrical grid.In order to ensure that the energy sector contributes to economic growth as set in its development agenda, the Rwandan Government has a target of 70% access by the end of the year 2018 . BTC is one of the main partners in the initiatives to achieve this objective.BTC is supporting electrification in Rwamagana, Kayonza, Ngoma and Kirehe Districts, amongst other activities in the electricity sector, through 3 consecutive supporting programs namely Be1, Be2 and Be3 in the Electricity Access Roll-Out Program within the Rwanda Energy Group. The general objective of the BTC intervention is to ensure that the energy sector is able to provide sufficient, reliable and affordable energy for all Rwandans. By mid-2018, around 17,000 households in 24 rural sectors of 4 districts of the Eastern province will be connected to the national electrical network.As per the Rwandan rural electrification policy, a special target is put on productive users including health centres, schools, administrative offices and markets to name but a few. Around 80 productive or public users will be connected such as schools, health centres, markets or water pumping station.


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    Rwanda RWA1509511

  • Putting the youth away from the danger of drugs!

    Putting the youth away from the danger of drugs!


    Alexis DE HERDE | 08/09/2017

    BTC through the programme “Ubuzima Burambye” is funding Rwanda’s national campaign against drug abuse. This activity led by the Mental Health Division of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) involves various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Ministry of Education, Rwanda National Police, National Youth Council, NGOs including association of Girl Guides and associations of ex drug users.Drug abuse in Rwanda Jeanne D’Arc Dusabeyezu who is in charge of drug abuse prevention and treatment within the Mental Health Division at the RBC exposes the situation in the country: “a recently conducted study by the Ministry of Youth and ICT shows that 52.5% of the youth aged between 14 and 35 years old has consumed one or more substances at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, the age of substance use initiation is on average 11 years old. Due to regular drug use, one young man or woman out of thirteen (7.46 %) is alcohol dependent, one young man or woman out of twenty (4.88%) suffers from nicotine dependence and one young man or woman out of forty (2.54%) is cannabis dependent”. This situation is putting pressure on health care facilities. At Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital, the number patients with alcohol and drug-induced mental illness has seriously increased in the last few years from 440 in 2009 to 2804 in 2016. It is clear that without sound actions, Rwanda will face an increasing number of drug addictions. This could become a serious public health issue and an important barrier to development.National anti-drug abuse campaignIn line with the prevention and treatment of mental disorders, the Mental Health Division of RBC and the inter-ministerial committee responsible for fighting against illicit use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, supported by BTC Rwanda is conducting a national campaign of awareness and sensitization against drug abuse.“We took the opportunity of the spirit surrounding the international day to fight against drug abuse traditionally held on June 26 to mobilize people. There are lots of fake messages such as “Taking drugs will make you stronger and solve your problems”. We have realized how important it is to reach out to the youth with clear messages about their health and the danger of drugs. They also need to know that if they suffer from psychological or mental health problems they have opportunities to consult and be assisted. Taking drugs should never be seen as an option. This is what the campaign is all about” concludes Jean D’Arc Dusabeyezu.The campaign was officially launched on June 22nd in Kirehe district and extended to Huye, Nyarugenge, Gicumbi & Rubavu districts which are at high risk of drug use and drug trafficking particularly those on borders. The campaign will last until December and will be countrywide. Drug use awareness is integrated within a global package of sensitisation on health issues conducted by the RBC & MoH.


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    Rwanda RWA1309211

  • Preventing and countering NCDs in Rwanda

    Preventing and countering NCDs in Rwanda


    Alexis DE HERDE | 08/09/2017

    Last June, a non-communicable diseases mass campaign took place in the car-free zone of Kigali. This initiative was funded by BTC through its health sector programme “Ubuzima Burambye” and its component on urban health.“The programme supports initiatives taken by the City of Kigali (CoK) to fight against non-communicable diseases (NCD) and the associated risk factors. Indeed, there is a continued rising burden of NCDs particularly in urban areas which represents an additional challenge with major implications” explains Public Health Expert Veronique Zinnen.By financing an annual mass campaign, Ubuzima Burambye addresses one of the challenges of rapid growing urbanization and contributes to early detection and prevention of NCDs. Patricie Mukangarambe Director of the Public Health and Environment Unit of the CoK explains: “Each year, the City of Kigali, in partnership with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and with the funding of BTC, is organizing a campaign to mobilize the population on early detection and prevention of NCDs and associated risk factors. The campaign lasts for one week and enables us to examine and counsel between 3000 and 5000 people.”NCDs, a major health challengeNCDs are one of the major health and development challenges of the 21st century. General public awareness regarding risk factors, prevention and early detection of NCDs is essential. If nothing is done, the human, socialand economic costs of NCDs will continue to grow and overwhelm the capacity of countries to address them.“The problem with the main NCDs - like diabetes & hypertension - is that they are not symptomatic and people do not get themselves spontaneously tested unless complications occurred. Those “silent” diseases do lots of damages and it is why we support this early detection and prevention campaign. We try also to raise awareness on risks associated with NCDs such as overweight, obesity, alcohol consumption, tobacco, etc. This is a very important activity” states Veronique Zinnen.Promoting healthy lifestyle The theme of the 2017 campaign was Promote healthy life style to prevent NCDs”. Throughout the campaign, free screening and counselling activities took place in the car free zone of Kigali. The screening for risk factors suchas overweight and obesity (BMI), blood sugar and blood pressure, detecting diabetes and hypertension was done in collaboration with the RwandaAssociation of Diabetes and Cardio-vascular foundation and conducted by the Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students Association. Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital provided equipment and staff for the measurement of visual acuity and intraocular pressure.Free counselling was also provided in order to guide patients to adequate health care facilities. The patients who had abnormal measures were referred to hospitals. In addition, prevention messages were broadcasted onthe radio and disseminated in district hospitals in order to reach more than the population living in Kigali. We estimate that around 3000 people were reached by the 2017 campaign.


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    Rwanda RWA1309211