Policy Brief: Sustaining Respectful Maternity Care in Health Facilities of Rwanda

This policy brief presents actionable strategies for sustaining respectful maternity care (RMC) in health facilities across Rwanda. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative findings from a multi-method study conducted in five hospitals in the Eastern Province, the brief identifies five key strategies to institutionalize RMC: strengthening women-centered care, maintaining an enabling childbirth environment, upholding community trust, promoting professional conduct, and reinforcing supportive leadership. The proposed interventions align with WHO guidelines and national priorities, and offer a logical framework for policymakers, health leaders, and implementers to integrate RMC into Rwanda’s broader health system. The brief underscores the need for multi-level engagement and system-wide action to reduce mistreatment and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.