Rwanda
Land:	24.668 sq km
Coastline:	0 km (landlocked)
Population:	10,473,282 (July 2009 estimate)
Age Structure:	0-14 years: 41.9% 15-64 years: 55.7% 65 years and over: 2.4%
Life Expectancy:	male: 49.25 years female: 51.83 years (2008 estimate)
Infant Mortality Rate: 81.61 deaths/1,000 live births
People living with HIV/AIDS: 150,000 (2007 estimate)
Literacy:	Total population: 70.4% male: 76.3% female: 64.7% (2003 estimate)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
From - World Factbook 2009

The genocide of 1994 led us to form the first team of MMM Sisters who entered Rwanda in June of that year. 

After about eighteen months, when the refugee camps were closing, plans were made for a more long-term commitment to assist the people of Rwanda in the aftermath of such a great upheaval.

In Butare, where Rwanda's National University is located, two MMM doctors, Sister Geneviève van Waesberghe and Sister Martine Makanga, took up work which continued until 2008.

Since the emergency receded, we have worked alongside the people to rebuild their lives.

Our health and nutrition programme at Kirambi, near the southwest border with Congo, is thriving and demanding. About 35 babies are born there each month. Besides the services at the health centre, the antenatal work takes our team of Sisters and local staff to several outstations.

A model farm and nutrition training complements this work, while HIV/AIDS-related education is equally challenging.

Groupwork on dealing with trauma is also a key component of MMM's healing service in Rwanda.

Protecting water sources is vital to controlling water-borne diseases, as well as improving the lifestyle of families. Working with local people to achieve clean water in their villages has been very successful.