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Nestled between the many hills of Rwanda is a small village of Masaka. A creamery operates there, buying milk from the local farmers and producing yogurt, ice cream, and butter. Their products are high quality and very popular, but their reach is still small.

These are the words of Donatile Uwicyeza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide which left her alone after her family was slaughtered. Almost three decades after the genocide, the wounds are deep and the need for healing is high. 

Every December 1st, the U.S. Government commemorates World AIDS Day by reflecting on its response to the global fight against HIV/AIDS and honoring the millions of people who have died of AIDS-related illness worldwide. The U.S. government’s theme for World AIDS Day 2022 is Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV, which emphasizes accountability and action.

In a sea of people who came that day to pick up the tools of their new trade, a little three-year old boy stood out. While all the adults would easily and joyfully pick up the heany boxes with new sewing machines and other tools , Nkusi struggled to pick up a smallish blue metal box with large red writing across it: RIVER. It took all of his strength to get that box off the ground, and carry it over - to his mother.

Since 2009,  the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) has worked with Rwanda's Ministry of Health to invest in measures to strengthen and sustain Rwanda’s health system through its Integrated Health System Strengthening Project.