PRESS RELEASE
Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda and the Embassy of Japan today signed a grant agreement under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP/KUSANONE) to improve access to safe drinking water in Gakenke Cell, Kiramuruzi Sector, Gatsibo District.
Through this partnership, a solar-powered Yamaha Clean Water Supply System (YCW) will be installed to provide reliable access to clean drinking water for more than 15,000 people in the community. Access to safe water is fundamental to health and human dignity. In many rural areas, waterborne diseases account for a significant proportion of illnesses among children under five, while families spend hours each day fetching water — time that could otherwise be devoted to education, income-generating activities, and community development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Director of SFH Rwanda emphasized the public health importance of the initiative:
“Improving access to clean water is one of the most powerful prevention interventions we can make. By reducing waterborne diseases and saving time for families, this project directly strengthens community health, economic resilience, and dignity.”
H.E. the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting community-level development initiatives aligned with the principle of Human Security, which focuses on protecting lives and enabling individuals to live in dignity and safety.
The installation of the Yamaha Clean Water Supply System — powered by solar energy — represents the application of Japanese technology to strengthen grassroots development solutions in Rwanda.
Strengthening a Longstanding WASH Commitment
For over 13 years, SFH Rwanda has been implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions focused on prevention and community empowerment. These efforts have included:
- Social marketing of household water treatment solutions such as P&G and Sur’Eau
- Community-centered Social and Behavior Change (SBC) initiatives
- Integration of WASH services within primary healthcare delivery at supported healthposts
This new initiative strengthens that ecosystem by introducing advanced water purification technology to complement household-level prevention and health facility-based services. By integrating clean water access with primary healthcare strengthening and community engagement, SFH Rwanda continues to advance a comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes in rural communities.
A Shared Commitment to Community Well-being
This collaboration reflects the strong partnership between Japan and Rwanda in advancing sustainable development and improving essential services at the grassroots level. The project is expected to significantly reduce waterborne diseases, ease the burden of water collection on families, and contribute to long-term improvements in health and well-being.
SFH Rwanda extends its appreciation to the Government of Japan for its continued partnership in improving lives and strengthening resilient communities.
About SFH Rwanda
Society for Family Health Rwanda is a leading Rwandan non-governmental organization committed to improving the health and well-being of Rwandan communities through evidence based, innovative, tech enabled and community-centered primary healthcare solutions.
