In rural Kirehe, Rwanda, Valentine Mukandebe’s life was turned upside down after the birth of her youngest child, Felicien, who was diagnosed with a disability and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at PIH-supported Kirehe District Hospital. Caring for Felicien required frequent medical visits, often involving long, exhausting journeys for Valentine.
The strain led to a breakdown of her marriage and financial collapse. “I would sit and wonder how my life would turn out, wondering how I will provide for food when I have injuries and a child with a disability,” she recalls.
Throughout this challenging period, Partners In Health Rwanda (known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima, IMB)supported Valentine with home visits, counseling, and emotional support. Staff also helped her start a small business to regain financial independence. At the same time, Felicien received regular care at IMB’s Pediatric Development Clinic, including physical therapy, eye medication, and developmental support. “He couldn’t see, but now he can see a little. He couldn’t walk, but now he can walk,” Valentine says proudly of her three-year-old son.
Since 2014, the Pediatric Development Clinic program has provided structured medical, nutritional, and developmental care to over 5,000 high-risk children across three districts in Rwanda. The program combines care from nurses, social workers, pediatricians, occupational therapists, neurologists, and ophthalmologists. Families also receive psychosocial support, health education, parenting guidance, and transport assistance, ensuring that care strengthens the wellbeing of the entire family—not just the child.
“I thank PIH for helping me,” Valentine says. “They played a big role in ending my problems. Before, I thought my life was over, but now I see my child like any other child. My life is good.”
Today, Valentine is building her own home and running a small business making and selling a local beverage. Felicien’s progress is a powerful reminder of how holistic, compassionate care can help children thrive and families rebuild their lives.
You can help children like Felicien and support mothers like Valentine. Sign this petition to stand with families and help PIH provide life-changing care for children too often overlooked.
