Rwanda, is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Poverty is widespread throughout the country with around 67% of its 10.5 million population living below the poverty line. 
The 1994 genocide, resulting in the loss of about 1 million lives and the subsequent creation of 800,000 refugees and displaced persons, led to devastating social and economic consequences for the country. Women today account for around 54% of the population with many households headed by women and orphans and almost 14% of rural dwellers have become peasants who live in extreme poverty. |
Damaged RwandaAIDS/HIV continues to be a growing problem as does disease and education for many children. Although there are no fees for Primary 1 to 9 in state schools many families struggle to pay the cost for exercise books and uniforms as well as fees for secondary schools. Health care continues to be a challenge with access to it virtually non-existent for most Rwandans and the standard of care is below what is needed. There is a scarcity of medical professionals with only 300 qualified doctors and 3000 nurses. HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis continue to be a major problem. There are over one million orphans and vulnerable children in Rwanda and approximately 210,000 children have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. |