Ludwigshafen, October 1, 2024 - A delegation of midwifery academics from the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG) traveled to the Rhineland-Palatinate partner country Rwanda to strengthen existing collaborations and open up new avenues of cooperation. The focus of the trip was the inaugural visit to the new Ruli Higher Institute of Health (RHIH), with which an official partnership has been in place since this year. The three academics were accompanied by colleagues from the School for Nursing Professions at the Catholic Hospital Koblenz - Montabaur.
At the beginning of the trip, Prof. Dr. Karen Fried, Prof. Nina Knape PhD and Prof. Michaela Michel-Schuldt PhD visited the Rhineland-Palatinate-Rwanda partnership office, where they discussed the framework conditions and support opportunities in the field of nursing and midwifery science. "It is impressive to see how strong the relationship between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda has already grown over the decades. We look forward to further expanding this partnership and establishing a partnership in the field of research and education in nursing and midwifery science for the first time in order to make a joint contribution to improving healthcare," said the delegation.
The group then took part in the regional congress for Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) . The congress provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and network with midwives from various countries in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. "The dialog with local colleagues gave us deeper insights into the challenges and progress of obstetric care on the continent and in the region," explained one of the midwifery scientists.
Particular attention was paid to the cooperation with the Ruli Higher Institute of Health and the associated hospital, which is located in the Rulindo region. The talks focused primarily on the two Bachelor's degree courses in nursing and midwifery science, which are offered at both HWG Ludwigshafen and the Ruli Higher Institute. Together, the German and Rwandan partners discussed what future cooperation in education and research could look like. Plans include joint exchange programs for students and education as well as research projects to further improve obstetric care in Rwanda.
Eric Karera, Vice Director of the Ruli Higher Institute of Health and nursing specialist, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: "We are very pleased about this partnership and see it as a great opportunity to further strengthen education and healthcare in Rwanda. The exchange with our German colleagues provides valuable impetus for the development of our degree programs."
Obstetric care in Rwanda is facing major challenges. Although considerable progress has been made in reducing maternal and infant mortality in recent years, there is still room for improvement, particularly in rural areas. Midwives and nurses play a central role in improving healthcare, but there is still a great need for qualified specialist staff and modern training concepts and materials. The partnership between the HWG Ludwigshafen and the Ruli Higher Institute of Health is intended to help intensify the exchange of knowledge and experience and promote the training of specialists locally.
Contact: Prof. Michaela Michel-Schuldt PhD
