What Your CHW Can Help You With During Pregnancy

What is the role of your Community Health Worker (Umujyanama w'ubuzima) during pregnancy?

18/08/2026

What Your CHW Can Help You With During Pregnancy

Who Is Your Community Health Worker?

Community Health Workers in Rwanda — officially called Abajyanama b'ubuzima (health advisors) — are trained community members appointed by their communities and formally integrated into Rwanda's national health system. Each CHW is responsible for a specific cell or village, covering approximately 15–20 households. They are trained to identify pregnant women early, provide health education, support ANC attendance, and follow up with mothers at home.

CHWs are not doctors or nurses. They have community-level training in maternal and child health, basic health promotion, and referral. They are an essential link between your household and the formal health system.

How Your CHW Supports Your Pregnancy

Your CHW can help you register for ANC and accompany you to your first visit if needed. They can explain health information in Kinyarwanda, help you understand your ANC card and test results, and remind you of upcoming appointments. Through Ndarinzwe, your CHW can send you care messages and check-in reminders directly to your phone.

CHWs also conduct home visits — particularly after delivery — to check on your recovery, your baby's feeding, and your postnatal health. They can identify early warning signs, provide basic health advice, and refer you to the health facility when needed.

What Your CHW Cannot Do

Your CHW is not trained or equipped to manage obstetric emergencies. They cannot diagnose preeclampsia, treat haemorrhage, manage a complicated delivery, or provide emergency medication. In any emergency — heavy bleeding, fits, severe pain, baby not moving — your first action must be to go directly to your nearest hospital or health facility.

Do not delay going to hospital by waiting for your CHW to arrive or give permission. Every minute matters in an obstetric emergency. Call for transport and leave immediately.

Messaging Through Ndarinzwe

Ndarinzwe's messaging system allows your CHW to send you care updates, appointment reminders, and health tips directly. These messages are based on your health data, your stage of pregnancy, and your CHW's observations from their home and facility visits.

Mothers receive messages from their CHW through Ndarinzwe — this is designed to ensure your CHW is proactively reaching out to you based on your care needs. For any urgent concern or emergency, do not wait for a message — go directly to your nearest hospital or health facility.

Building a Good Relationship With Your CHW

Your relationship with your CHW is most effective when built on trust and regular communication. Introduce yourself to your CHW as soon as you know you are pregnant. Share your ANC card with them so they can follow your progress. Let them know if you have concerns about attending appointments, transport, or family support.

Your CHW is a member of your community who understands the local context of your pregnancy. They are a resource to support your care — not to replace the clinical assessment you receive at your health facility. Both the CHW and your health facility are equally important parts of your pregnancy care team.

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