Network Cohosts National Cardiac Technical Working Group

In May, the NCDI Poverty Network, in partnership with the Rwanda Ministry of Health and with support from Team Heart, launched a national Cardiac Technical Working Group. The event brought together all major cardiac partners—including representatives of the World Health Organization’s country office and Rwanda’s major academic institutions—to participate in the certification of PEN-Plus cardiac Master Trainers and engage in a discussion for its implications and further planning at the national level.

Working group members agreed on the importance of collaboration and coordinated efforts to improve cardiac care nationwide, with PEN-Plus as a critical component at the district level.

During the event, the Network and the Ministry of Health awarded 18 nurses and doctors with Master Trainer certificates recognizing their clinical cardiac expertise, teaching abilities, and commitment to making lifesaving cardiac care accessible to vulnerable communities.

“Rwanda has invested in the official PEN-Plus certification program not only to celebrate the hard work of PEN-Plus nurses and doctors,” said Gedeon Ngoga, director of PEN-Plus training for the NCDI Poverty Network, “but also to improve their job satisfaction and advance their careers.”

The nurses honored at the event were Symaque Dusabeyezu, Cyprien Gahamanyi, Olivier Hagumakubana, Denyse Imanishimwe, Edison Mfitumukiza, Faustin Mugemanyi, Felix Mujejimana, Cadet Mutumbira, Daniel Ndahimana, Naasson Nduwamungu, Gedeon Ngoga, and Margueritte Uwimana.

The medical doctors honored at the event were Wellars Dusingizimana, Phocas Havugimana, Toni Mayanja, Stephen Ndamage Muhumuza, Prosper Ndayisaba, and Josue Ukuri Sincere.

“The need for health care professionals with NCD expertise is huge,” said Ngoga. “It’s important that we celebrate these PEN-Plus trainers because of how much they contribute to the success of national PEN-Plus expansion and enhance access to NCD care.”