Bonny Mukombozi
3 August 2008
Burera — Visiting former US president Bill Clinton has officially launched the construction of a modern hospital in Butaro-Burera district.
The hospital, which is part of the initiative to extend integrated Primary Health Care in rural Rwanda, is estimated to cost over $1million and will be funded by the Clinton Foundation.
Before laying the foundation stone, Bill Clinton said considering how far Rwanda has come, the hospital will symbolise health, hope, peace and unity.
"Everything about this hospital, including this beautiful area, symbolises the future that I believe we all watch for in Rwanda, Africa and the world as a whole," Clinton said.
The Clinton Foundation provides ARVs to Rwandan children living with HIV/Aids and it is also dedicated to fighting malaria.
Butaro Hospital will be the third hospital constructed by the Clinton Foundation after the completion of Rwinkwavu Hospital and the one in Kirehe district.
The district Mayor, Aime Bosenibamwe speaking on behalf of the area residents, said that the hospital will not only address health problems but also spark general development in the area.
Butaro Hospital is expected to have over 200 beds, emergency rooms, paediatrics, an HIV/Aids department, a surgical department and much more.
Excited residents in Burera received the former president and his daughter Chelsea with special traditional Kinyarwanda dances.
The Clintons arrived aboard a special helicopter accompanied by two others carrying International media crew. Clinton said that the foundation and partners in health are committed to providing quality PHC to people in rural communities.
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