In a landmark moment for Rwanda’s healthcare sector, six nurses and midwives have become the first in the country to receive the prestigious DAISY Award. The global honor, which recognizes exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care, was presented during the International Nurses Day celebrations on Tuesday, May 12, at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kigali.
The DAISY Award is an initiative of the U.S.-based DAISY Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to celebrating the “superhuman” work healthcare providers perform every day.
Meet the Awardees
The six recipients represent a mix of urban and rural health facilities across the country:
- Emery Habumugisha: Kibagabaga Level Two Teaching Hospital
- Alexis Kagame: Shaba Health Centre (Nyamagabe District)
- Eulerie Hagumimana: Kirambo Health Centre (Burera District)
- Gabriel Nsengiyumva: Kivumu Health Center (Rutsiro District)
- Jean Chrysostome Iraguha: Bumbogo Health Center (Gasabo District)
- Florentine Nyirajyambere: Kabuye Health Centre (Kirehe District)
For Emery Habumugisha, a midwife of over three years, the recognition serves as a powerful validation of the sacrifices made behind the scenes.
“After the long hours and extra time we put into caring for patients, being recognized means a lot,” Habumugisha shared. “As midwives, we receive babies at the beginning of their lives. Caring for women and newborns is what drives people who want to serve others.”
A Pilot Toward National Excellence
Emmanuel Munyaneza, Chairperson of the National Council of Nurses and Midwives (NCNM), explained that this ceremony marks the launch of a pilot program. Currently active in selected districts—including Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Rusizi, Huye, and the City of Kigali—the initiative aims to eventually expand nationwide.
Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, Head of the Health Workforce Department at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the awards prove excellence isn’t restricted to major hospitals.
- Local Impact: Rural health workers are achieving international standards of care.
- Scale: These six were selected from nearly 50,000 healthcare professionals nationwide.
- Outcome: Quality, passionate care directly correlates with faster recovery times and lower mortality rates.
Focusing on the Human Connection
The program is supported by the International Organization for Women in Development (IOWD). Danielle Lock, IOWD’s Director of Nursing, noted that while the medical field often fixates on efficiency and productivity, the DAISY Award intentionally shifts the spotlight to the human side of medicine.
“The awards recognize nurses whose compassion and empathy leave a lasting impact on families,” Lock stated. She added that the goal is for the NCNM to take full ownership of the program, ensuring that celebrating nursing excellence becomes a permanent fixture in Rwanda’s healthcare culture.
