Butaro Hospital proudly celebrated the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), a milestone in its mission to provide high-quality, specialized healthcare for children. This dedicated facility, the first of its kind in rural area, is designed to cater specifically to pediatric patients, ensuring that young patients receive surgical care in an environment tailored to their unique needs.

The launch event, which took place on 6^th September 9, 2024 was attended by distinguished guests including government officials from the Ministry of Health and Burera District, healthcare leaders and representatives from international healthcare partners like Partners In Health and University of Global Health Equity. This initiative has been achieved through the partnership with PIH_Rwanda in collaboration with Kids Operating Room, a global charity that aims to transform children's surgical care in low-resource settings, that reflects Butaro Hospital's commitment to delivering comprehensive care to all age groups.

Speaking at the event, Dr Jacques IRAKIZA, Director of Medical and Allied Health Unit at Butaro Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasized the significance of this new development. "This operating room stands as a beacon of change, ensuring that distance, resources, or circumstances do not dictate a child's chance at a healthy life."

The newly inaugurated Kids Operating Room is fully equipped with cutting-edge medical technology specifically adapted for pediatric care, ensuring that children can undergo surgeries safely and comfortably. The room's design incorporates child-friendly features, including colorful murals and toys, creating a calming atmosphere that helps reduce anxiety in young patients and their families.

The new Kids Operating Room is launched after 42 pediatric surgery that were successfully done at Butaro hospital by General surgeons who mostly deal with cancer cases and other general surgeries. This facility is expected to transform the lives of hundreds of children annually, offering them a brighter, healthier future.

In his remarks, Mr Gareth Wood, co-founder and Chairman of KidsOR, has appreciated the work of medical professional who delivers everything possible to make lives better through healthcare activities.

“….I am confident that this new operating room will empower you to continue your life-changing work with even greater impact.”

As we continue to expand our pediatric surgical services, the impact of Partners In Health and KidsOR’s support is evident in the lives of the children we serve. By transforming our pediatric surgery capabilities, Butaro Hospital is now at the forefront of providing life-saving care to children in our region. We are proud of the progress made and look forward to continuing our partnership with partners to bring even more advancements to pediatric healthcare.