DHS 7: Southern Province Leaders Discuss Findings to Strengthen Evidence-Based Planning

On 19 October 2026, a meeting was held in Huye District to discuss findings from the Seventh Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 7), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

The findings are expected to support local government institutions in strengthening evidence-based planning and improving the well-being of citizens through informed decision-making.

The meeting was attended by the Governor of Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi, District Mayors, District Planning Officers, hospital directors, security organs and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the survey.

In her remarks, Governor Alice Kayitesi emphasized the importance of the findings in assessing progress, identifying existing gaps and determining priority areas that require increased efforts.

She noted that the issues covered by the survey are directly linked to the daily responsibilities of local leaders, adding that reliable data is essential for effective planning and measuring the impact of development interventions.

The Governor further highlighted that achieving the objectives of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) requires reliable information to assess progress, identify challenges and strengthen areas that need more attention.

She called on local leaders, who work closely with communities, to make effective use of the survey findings to improve health service delivery, strengthen development planning and ultimately enhance the well-being of Rwandans.

Mayors