Village Health Works

Village Health Works (VHW) is a non-profit organization that provides health care and community development services in Burundi, East Africa. Founded in 2006 by Deogratias Niyizonkiza, a survivor of the Burundi Civil War, the organization aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the Burundian population through a community-driven approach.

History

Deogratias Niyizonkiza, a Burundian national who survived the Burundi Civil War, founded Village Health Works in 2006. After fleeing to the United States and completing his education, Niyizonkiza was inspired to establish a health care organization in his home country. The organization was founded on the principle that health care is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

Services

Village Health Works provides a range of health care services, including primary care, maternal health, child health, HIV/AIDS treatment, and malaria prevention and treatment. In addition to health care, the organization also focuses on community development initiatives such as agriculture, education, and economic development.

Approach

Village Health Works operates on a community-driven approach. The organization believes that the community should be actively involved in their own health care and development. This approach includes community participation in decision-making processes, as well as in the implementation and evaluation of programs.

Impact

Since its inception, Village Health Works has made significant strides in improving the health and wellbeing of the Burundian population. The organization has provided health care services to thousands of individuals and has implemented numerous community development projects.

See also

• Health care in Burundi
• Non-profit organizations in Africa
• Community health