ACTIVE PROJECTS

In March of 2005, physicians from the Brigham and Women's Department of Social Medicine and Health Inequalities (DSMHI) and Partners In Health (PIH) launched a project in rural Rwanda. Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB is the Kinyarwandan name for Partners In Health) was created in collaboration with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative, established by former US president Bill Clinton. In cooperation with a group of Rwandan co-workers, DSMHI clinicians and PIH have initiated a comprehensive AIDS prevention and care program aimed at the neediest populations. HIV prevention, testing and treatment are provided at 6 sites across southeastern Rwanda. By late 2006, 1760 AIDS patients were receiving antiretroviral treatment at these sites. 4000 people had been tested for HIV/AIDS, and 100 new patients were enrolling in the therapy program each month. As part of this initiative, special efforts have been made to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV by screening pregnant women in prenatal clinics and, when appropriate, placing women on antiretroviral therapy and providing formula training.

The DSMHI and PIH team also worked with Rwandan health authorities to reopen and refurbish Rwinkwavu hospital, which within a year boasted five inpatient wards, 80 beds, a pediatric facility, a functioning laboratory and a modern infectious disease unit. At an adjoining health center, the team is providing a range of medical services, including HIV prevention and treatment, TB treatment, ambulatory primary care, and maternal health services.

PIH is a non-profit organization affiliated with the DSMHI at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Read more about this project.