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In a small village in Rusizi, a district in Western Province Rwanda, Thatienne Mukundiyikura has spent her whole life taking care of people with malaria, a disease that, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) had 247 million cases in 2021. When she does, she is unable to tend to her crops, which are her only source of income.
"Caring for others makes it hard for me to have consistent work to support my family. My farm and livestock suffer but caring for my community always comes first," says Mukundiyikura.
Mukundiyikura is disproportionately impacted by malaria because of this, and she isn’t alone. Many across communities in Rwanda sacrifice their livelihoods to care for those in their communities who suffer from malaria and other diseases. These people, the majority of whom are women, are known locally as Community Health Workers.
Recognising the struggle and economic plight faced by these women, SC Johnson stepped up to help ease the burden. Together with its Raid® brand, SC Johnson, in partnership with the Society for Family Health Rwanda, developed the Certified Care Program as part of its commitment to eradicate malaria. The program provides education and training to these unofficial community caretakers, empowering women to become official, certified Community Health Workers. This certification gives Community Health Workers knowledge, skills, and credentials that help them get paying jobs.
"Certified Care empowers women with official certification to help them get a living wage for what they already know how to do, which is care. Through this program, we help women gain skills and knowledge, care for their communities and build a career for the future," says Manasseh Wandera the Executive Director at Society for Family Health.
Mukundiyikura is now one of 10 000 unsung heroes who have become certified Community Health Workers and can now earn a living wage thanks to SC Johnson and one of its leading insect control brand teams, Raid®.
World Malaria Day is celebrated on April 25, and SC Johnson continues its commitment to help eradicate malaria on the African continent.
This post was sponsored by SC Johnson and produced by Adspace Studio.
