Rwanda’s healthcare facilities recorded a remarkable 1,800 births over Christmas and New Year’s Day, the Ministry of Health has announced.
On January 1, 2025, a total of 913 babies were born, including 473 girls and 440 boys. The Ministry also reported 887 births on Christmas Day, underscoring the joy of the festive season.
Dr. Muhammed Semakula, Head of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Health Financing at the Ministry of Health, stated that the figures were gathered from 584 health facilities across the country.
The Eastern Province led with 261 births on New Year’s Day, followed by the Southern Province with 183, the Western Province with 180, and the Northern Province with 153. The City of Kigali recorded 136 births.
Among hospitals, Muhima District Hospital in Nyarugenge District reported the highest number of births on New Year’s Day with 26, followed by Nyamata District Hospital with 24. Kirehe District Hospital and Ruhengeri Referral Hospital each reported 17 births, while Gisenyi District Hospital recorded 16.
Rwanda’s population was estimated at over 13.2 million in 2022, with a fertility rate of 3.6 children per woman, according to the latest census. In 2024, the Ministry recorded 308,000 new births by November, compared to more than 334,000 births in 2023.
As the new year begins, the influx of newborns symbolizes hope and growth, with many parents cherishing the blessings of their new arrivals.