SOGC Calls on Ottawa to Expand Successful Women's Health Project in Rwanda
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is calling for increased federal support to expand a successful Rwanda–Canada Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Project that has helped women and girls in Rwanda access better sexual, reproductive and maternal health care.
Since 2021, the project has reached more than 183,000 people, which is more than 150 per cent of its original target. Many are young women between 15 and 24, for whom reliable information and timely care can mean avoiding unintended pregnancies and staying in school.
The partnership has also supported 16 health facilities in Gasabo District with clinical training, mentorship, equipment and tools. Today, almost 94 per cent of those facilities now provide emergency obstetric and newborn care, compared with approximately 20 per cent at the beginning of the project.
The project was implemented with funding from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and brings together L'AMIE, SOGC, the Rwanda Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RSOG), the Réseau des Femmes œuvrant pour le Développement Rural and Sexplique.
Given the overwhelming success of this project, the SOGC is calling on the federal government to not only renew its funding, but support an expansion of these services into other districts across Rwanda.
The RSOG has played a central role in the progress achieved so far. Training through the SOGC's Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM) program has equipped its members with the skills and confidence to take on greater roles as trainers and mentors in women's health. It has also fostered a strong sense of professional pride as they help strengthen care across the health system.
The latest advanced obstetrics training week, led by our dedicated volunteers, has now concluded. Unfortunately, it was the final training session planned under the current project. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for generously sharing their time and expertise. Their work has strengthened participating teams' ability to respond to unexpected obstetric complications and provide safer, more effective care.
The project is also helping to inspire improvements to Rwanda's laws and policies for women's health care. This includes expanded access to safe abortion services and improved access to sexual and reproductive health services for teens.
But the work is not finished. Many local health professionals could benefit from further training and mentorship, especially in areas beyond the Gasabo District. Renewed and enhanced federal support would help bring these services to more communities and ensure that more women and girls can receive timely, high-quality care.
The SOGC and RSOG have now signed a memorandum of understanding establishing RSOG as an international member of the SOGC. The agreement will strengthen the relationship between the two professional societies and create a foundation for continued collaboration in training, mentorship and women's health advocacy.
"We are deeply proud of the success of this Rwanda-Canada partnership, but there is more work to do. We have seen what can be accomplished when Canadian investment is combined with Rwandan expertise and leadership. Now is the time to build on that success and reach women and girls in districts across the country." – Dr. Nicholas Leyland, President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
SOURCE The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Media Inquiries: Teresa Wright, Communications and Public Affairs Specialist, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, [email protected]
Share this article