Promotion of Hygiene in Schools: A Priority for The Village Microclinic

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At The Village Microclinic, we continue to prioritize student health through its expanding School Health Club program, aimed at fostering hygiene awareness and practices among pupils in both primary and secondary schools. Most recently, the initiative reached the Lycée Communal de Gishingano, where an engaging hygiene awareness session was held by our team members Consolate Ndihokubwayo and Gérard Nkunzimana.

The session, held on May 14, focused on the effective use of chlorine for cleaning and disinfection. Students participated in a hands-on demonstration led by Ndihokubwayo, who showed how to properly dilute chlorine in water. The demonstration sparked keen interest, with students actively participating and raising questions about chlorine’s composition, production methods, and applications.

Speaking during the session, Gérard Nkunzimana highlighted the broader objectives of the School Health Clubs. “Our goal is not only to teach hygiene practices but also to equip students with comprehensive knowledge about health and well-being,” he said..

In a move to support sustainable hygiene practices, The Village Microclinic provides locally produced chlorine to schools at no cost. This initiative is designed to prevent hygiene-related illnesses and ensure access to safe cleaning agents, particularly in underserved communities.

By embedding hygiene education in schools, The Village Microclinic is not only improving sanitation but also empowering young people to become proactive stewards of public health. The program aligns with the organization’s mission to uplift communities living in the outskirts and informal settlements of Burundi by promoting self-reliance and collective well-being.

The School Health Club model offers multiple benefits to students, including:

  • A deeper understanding of hygiene and health issues.
  • Development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Enhanced academic performance linked to improved physical and mental health.
  • The opportunity to serve as health ambassadors within their communities.

Through this comprehensive approach, The Village Microclinic continues to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more informed generation — one student at a time.

The Village Microclinic Expands Healthcare Access with Rukundo Medical Polyclinic

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The Village Microclinic is proud to announce the inauguration of Rukundo Medical Polyclinic in Gihosha, Bujumbura—a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility in Burundi. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to providing high-quality and accessible healthcare services, with a strong emphasis on maternal and child health.

Starting March 3, 2025, at Rukundo Medical Polyclinic we launched two critical free health programs designed to safeguard the well-being of mothers and children:

  • ⁠ ⁠Vaccination & Postnatal Consultations – These services ensure that newborns receive essential medical care for healthy development and overall well-being.
  • ⁠ ⁠Prenatal Consultations – Expectant mothers will have access to comprehensive healthcare support, promoting a safer pregnancy and delivery.

 

All services at the facility are provided free of charge, reinforcing our commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Burundi.

“Our goal is to ensure that no mother or child is denied essential medical care due to financial constraints. Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” stated Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana, Founder and CEO of The Village Microclinic.

As part of our longstanding commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, The Village Microclinic actively works in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas through a vast network of community health workers. These efforts extend beyond clinical treatment to include community engagement and health education, ensuring that individuals are empowered to seek timely medical care.

“Our approach goes beyond providing treatment—we actively engage with communities, educate families, and ensure that healthcare reaches those who need it most,” Dr. Nshimirimana added.

With the launch of Rukundo Medical Polyclinic, The Village Microclinic continues its mission to bridge the healthcare gap and create a healthier future for all. We invite the community to spread the word about this new facility and encourage those in need to take advantage of these life-saving services.

“Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege—it’s a right. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Burundi,” emphasized Dr. Nshimirimana.

As we begin this new chapter, The Village Microclinic remains steadfast in its dedication to providing accessible, compassionate, and transformative healthcare services. The opening of Rukundo Medical Polyclinic is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations.

Partners for Equity Delegation Visits The Village Microclinic to Assess Healthcare Impact

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On November 18, 2024, The Village Microclinic had the honor of hosting a delegation from Partners for Equity, comprising Evelyne Omala and Lenah N. Gedeon. This visit marked a significant moment in highlighting the clinic’s crucial role in providing healthcare services and implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs in local schools and churches.

Dr. Wilfried Irambona led the delegation on a comprehensive tour of the facility, showcasing the clinic’s commitment to community health. He elaborated on the various healthcare services provided, emphasizing the importance of preventive care, maternal health, and child welfare. The delegation witnessed firsthand how The Village Microclinic has become a beacon of hope for residents in the surrounding area, particularly in addressing common health concerns and improving sanitation practices in public institutions.

During the visit, Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana, the founder of The Village Microclinic, provided insight into the clinic’s profound impact on child and maternal healthcare. He recalled the struggles faced by community members before the clinic’s establishment, stating, “Before the clinic’s establishment, nearby residents had to endure a challenging climb up a steep slope to reach the nearest health facility. Today, it is a sigh of relief for the nearby community as they now have access to healthcare services close to home.” This transformation has drastically improved healthcare accessibility, reducing the strain on patients who previously faced long and arduous journeys to seek medical attention.

Despite the clinic’s achievements, Dr. Tharcisse also shed light on the persistent challenges affecting healthcare delivery. One of the most pressing issues is the difficulty of transferring patients, particularly pregnant women experiencing complications, to larger hospitals for specialized care. The lack of adequate transportation infrastructure remains a significant obstacle, often delaying emergency referrals. Additionally, community health workers frequently navigate mountainous terrain on foot, sometimes relying on motorbikes to deliver essential medicines. These conditions underscore the need for enhanced logistical support to ensure timely medical interventions.

The delegation from Partners for Equity expressed deep appreciation for The Village Microclinic’s dedication to bringing healthcare closer to the community. They acknowledged the facility’s vital role in improving access to essential services and commended its efforts to address healthcare challenges despite limited resources. Their visit reinforced the importance of supporting grassroots initiatives like The Village Microclinic, which serve as lifelines for underserved populations.

As The Village Microclinic continues to expand its reach, the visit by Partners for Equity serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for collaboration and investment in community healthcare. Addressing the clinic’s challenges, such as transportation barriers and emergency referral systems, will be key to further strengthening its impact. By fostering partnerships with organizations committed to equitable healthcare, The Village Microclinic aims to build a sustainable model that enhances community well-being and ensures that quality healthcare remains within reach for all.

This visit not only highlighted the dedication of healthcare professionals at The Village Microclinic but also emphasized the power of strategic partnerships in overcoming healthcare access barriers. The support and recognition from Partners for Equity reaffirm the clinic’s mission to provide life-changing services to those in need, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient community.

The King Baudouin Foundation Belgium Delegation Visited Us at The Village Microclinic.

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It was a pleasure and a honor to receive at our headquarters located in Gishingano the King Baudouin Foundation Belgium delegation composed of Hervé Lisoir (International Program Coordination) and Stefan Schäfers (Director) accompanied by Déo Niyonkuru this Saturday, October 7, 2023. Our Founder and CEO, Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana, presented to them the condition of the premises of the first pavilion of The Village Microclinic and the health services offered to its neighboring community.

Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana talking to the guests in his office at The Village Microclinic

Talking about the idea of creating The Village Microclinic, our founder Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana indicates that where he lives is down the steep slope from where they built the first pavilion. While he was still a medical student, alongside with his mates, they provided health services via community outreaches. When he completed his studies and worked as a medical doctor, he was called upon by traditional birth attendants for last aid after having tried everything without success. But also, children who had caught a fever were taken to his house.

The King Baudouin Foundation Belgium delegation composed of Hervé Lisoir (International Program Coordination) and Stefan Schäfers (Director) accompanied by Déo Niyonkuru

Dr. Tharcisse had nothing to do but evacuate them to nearby hospitals using his car. “At that time there was no health center nearby. And sometimes, when I returned home, I could find a second pregnant woman at home. I was forced to go back and forth to the hospital while I was also working full time as a medical doctor to another care facility. This is how I thought of creating The Village Microclinic to provide medical services close to the community, especially women and children.”

Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana talking to the guests outside The Village Microclinic that has a view of Bujumbura Town

Dr. Tharcisse informed the guests that some members of his organization have completed the specialization namely a gynecologist, a pediatrician and a cardiologist. “They are currently engaged in public health structures but come from time to time to support the work of The Village Microclinic. If there are referrals, they refer them to healthcare structures. People who are referred to public hospitals, we have contacts who are there and before referring, we’re sure that there is someone who will receive them. »

Hervé Lisoir saying good bye to the staff members of The Village Microclinic

As for hospitalization, Dr. Tharcisse indicates that The Village Microclinic will hospitalize in gyneco-obstetrics and pediatrics but that they do not yet have enough beds for hospitalizations.  For the moment, Dr. Tharcisse indicates that they are waiting for a final visit from the Ministry in charge of Health when all the equipment will be ready to grant them final agreement to finally work according to medical ethics. “For the buildings, they appreciated it positively », he assures.

The Village Microclinic Received Visitors from Oasic Church UK

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At The Village Microclinic, we were honored to receive Dr. Johnson Antoinettte Céline (Gynecologist) and Afoladi Matthew from Oasis Church UK escorted by Micheline Barandereka, Founder & CEO of Shekinah Center. They visited us at our headquarters in Gishingano district on October 03, 2023. Our Founder and CEO Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana told them the story behind the first pavilion of The Village Microclinic and its impact in the neighboring community so far.

Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana lives down the steep slope where the first pavilion “Barry Segal Pavilion” is built.  Before getting the idea of building that first pavilion, Dr Tharcisse used to have some women with pregnancies complications from his neighborhood coming to his home for ultimate assistance. “These pregnant mothers were accompanied by traditional birth attendants who were no longer able to do more for them. They were coming to my home to seek Health services which were not available at my home. The only thing I had to do was to rush them to the nearest hospital. It was too sad to see them in such critical conditions.”, he tells.

From compassion to building a clinic

Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana thought how he could do something to help his community. The idea of The Village Microclinic was born. “ I founded The Village Microclinic to bring health services close to the community especially for women and children because I was touched when I had carried someone to the hospital at night and when back home I found another one waiting for  assistance. Even though I had to carry them to the hospital, it was not enough.”

Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana together with other medical doctors started by tracking the pregnant women early in their homes.  “We encouraged them to go to the nearest health facilities. It was just an idea and we performed mobile clinics without these health facilities. I had a small piece of land, and I decide to build a room. I went on a hard fundraising journey and got funds to purchase additional land and built the first pavilion.”

From fatigue to sigh of relief

Building the foundation of the first pavilion, as the land is located on the steep slope, was not easy. “We had to collect the stones from the river down the slope and we had to carry them on head. It was tough. However, the community and friends helped me so much. Every weekend, they were with me correcting stones.”

To conclude, “We have a plan of extending by building a second pavilion there. We’ve been helped by many funders and donors to acquire the land and also to get the architectural design.”

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