Transforming Health Care in Nyabihu: Launch of the Community Electronic Medical Records (cEMR) System

This fall, Health Builders, in partnership with the Rwanda Ministry of Health (MOH), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and UNICEF, spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Nyabihu District. Over the course of a month, 938 Community Health Workers (CHWs) participated in an intensive training program, with each trainee dedicating ten days to mastering the innovative Community Electronic Medical Records (cEMR) system.

This ambitious program is a cornerstone of Health Builders’ mission to harness technology for improved healthcare outcomes. By transitioning from outdated paper-based methods to a cutting-edge digital platform, cEMR is transforming how health care is delivered. The system streamlines patient management, reduces errors, and enables faster, more accurate decision-making.

The collaboration with the MOH, RBC, and UNICEF underscores a shared commitment to enhancing health care access and quality across Rwanda. Together, these efforts mark a significant leap forward in the journey toward a digitally integrated healthcare system, positioning Nyabihu as a model for innovation and excellence in community health.

Community Health Workers training at Gakamba Health Center

To lay the groundwork for the successful rollout of the new cEMR system, 50 health care professionals from Nyabihu's health facilities underwent comprehensive training. This initiative equipped health center staff with the expertise to leverage the cEMR system effectively. The training emphasized practical applications of the tool, focusing on enhancing key health care services such as Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) and the management of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

Building on this foundation, Community Health Workers received cascade training, which empowered them with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate the cEMR system into their daily operations. To facilitate implementation, each CHW was provided with a smartphone generously donated by Health Builders in partnership with Sanofi.

As a result, 938 CHWs across Nyabihu District have been trained on the cEMR system, marking a significant step towards strengthening community health services through digital innovation.

Happy CHWs at Kareba Health Center after receiving smartphones for using the cEMR system.

Health Builders is grateful to the Rwanda Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Center, and Nyabihu District who collaborated in offering the training.

This important milestone in digitizing medical records is an example of how Health Builders is driving transformation in health care and empowering health workers with cutting-edge technology to improve patient care and outcomes.