New Digital Health Initiative in Rwanda to Boost Community Health Workers Capacity and Advance Universal Coverage

Rwanda has launched a groundbreaking project that uses artificial intelligence to boost the skills of Community Health Workers (CHWs), aiming to improve healthcare delivery and fast-track the country’s journey toward universal health coverage.

The Ministry of Health, through the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), on May 29, 2025, unveiled an AI-powered digital platform designed to transform the way CHWs are trained and supported across the country. The initiative, funded by Expertise France through L’Initiative, marks a major shift from traditional in-person training methods to a modern, online, and interactive learning model.

The new platform introduces a flipped classroom approach, combined with real-time remote support, which is expected to significantly improve service quality, reduce training costs by up to 50%, and promote gender equity in healthcare—especially as women constitute the majority of Rwanda’s CHWs.

Led by RBC in collaboration with key local partners—including the Society for Family Health Rwanda, the Centre for Impact, Innovation and Capacity Building for Health Information Systems and Nutrition (CIIC-HIN), and WelTel Rwanda—the project directly responds to long standing challenges in Rwanda’s community health system.

Customized Learning Through AI

The platform integrates an AI-assisted learning system that personalizes training for each CHW. It includes an adaptive evaluation process that leads to certification in specific healthcare services. This aligns with the Government of Rwanda’s broader strategy to enhance the community health program and may allow savings from reduced training costs to be redirected toward CHW compensation, further advancing Rwanda’s commitment to health equity and sustainable workforce development.

Boosting Data Systems and Performance Monitoring

Beyond training, the initiative will enhance Rwanda’s existing community Electronic Medical Record (cEMR) system. By incorporating AI tools, the system will support early detection and management of diseases, improve data usage, and streamline reporting and communication. The technology will also help monitor CHW performance and recommend additional training when necessary—ensuring that every patient receives high-quality care.

Jean Claude Semuto Ngabonziza, Director of Science Innovation in the Health Sector at RBC, praised the initiative as a milestone in digital health innovation.

“This capacity-building platform is a game-changer for Rwanda’s health system. By harnessing AI and digital tools, we’re ensuring CHWs have the support they need to save lives—efficiently, equitably, and at scale. Investing in CHWs means investing in healthier communities,” he said. “This project exemplifies Rwanda’s leadership in innovation for universal health coverage.”

Eric Fleutelot, Technical Director of the Health Department’s major pandemics unit at Expertise France, highlighted the project’s catalytic impact during a time of tightening global health funding.

“L’Initiative – Expertise France is proud to support RBC and its partners in this innovative project. It was selected in our competitive 2024 call for proposals because of its high transformative potential. We support efforts that not only strengthen community healthcare but also improve working conditions for CHWs,” he said.

“Let us not forget that most community health workers are women. By investing in their skills and supporting their professional growth—an issue His Excellency President Kagame also emphasized in June 2024—we are investing in gender equity and a resilient health system.”

Fleutelot added that the project combines technical excellence, digital innovation, and community engagement—a blend that funding partners like Expertise France aim to amplify.

CHWs on the Ground Welcome the Innovation

Joseph Bikorimana, a CHW at Ruhunda Health Center in Rwamagana District, expressed optimism about the digital transition.

“This program will help us a lot, especially with reporting, and it will make our work easier,” he said. “Sometimes we forget things while writing reports because of our workload. This tool will help ensure accuracy and improve how we follow up with patients.”

A Backbone of Rwanda’s Healthcare

Rwanda’s Community Health Program is widely recognized as the foundation of its healthcare system. The country has more than 58,500 CHWs who play a critical role in delivering 15 essential services, including diagnosis, treatment, referrals, public health education, and disease surveillance. Their work is especially vital for children under five and rural communities.

As Rwanda continues to invest in digital solutions and human-centered healthcare, this new platform represents a bold step forward in ensuring that CHWs—who are the first point of contact for many citizens—are better equipped, better supported, and better recognized.