Human health is defined to mean the wellbeing of the human body (physical, emotional and mental). Through the Polyclinic of Hope, the focus is on medical, counseling and improving socio-economic welfare of women in order to increase responsiveness and effectiveness in addressing the issue of human health. The Polyclinic of Hope is a centre for women survivors of gender-based violence (SGBV) during the genocide. Under the Rwanda Women’s Network, the Centre offers free medical services, including psychosocial support and counseling, trauma counseling and referral of medical cases.The Centre has enabled the women understand and accept their situation, as it psychologically equips them live positive and productive lives. .

Raising awareness on HIV/AIDS and other health issues includes some of its activities, as it seeks to continuously work towards reaching out to victims of the Genocide around the country through replication of the Polyclinic of Hope model in government health facilities. As a way of further reaching out and replicating the model, RWN has developed the training manual, A Guide To A Holistic Approach In Trauma Counseling In Rwanda: The Polyclinc of Hope Experience (link to information dissemination), for use in affected communities within and outside Rwanda.

LEGAL-AID ACTIVITIES AT THE POLYCLINIC
While the RWN conducts legal awareness activities for the community at large, the Polyclinic also undertakes legal training for the survivors of SGBV with a focus to empower them bring out and pursue their legal concerns such as claiming property left behind by their husbands’. This also enables them understand the legal system and prepares them for the Gacaca (community participatory) court process, thus preparing the way for a future of social harmony even with the perpetrators.

The Centre gathered information where criminal and civil cases have been documented from women who have benefited from education and awareness on human and legal rights, including the new inheritance law and the Gacaca (community) courts. While the centre continues to follow up on these cases, the challenge remains as most survivors are yet to come forward with their legal concerns for varied reasons ranging from ignorance to fear of retribution and trauma. The group of sensitized women has however expressed their interest to share with other women through the RWN Outreach program. With support , the RWN aims to train the women further in order for them to effectively reach their peers.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS TRAINING
Many women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence during the genocide ended up being infected with HIV, the virus that causes Aids. While this remains a fact and as the HIV/Aids scourge continues to ravage the country, many are yet to accept the reality of the pandemic or be tested. Raising awareness on HIV/Aids and encouraging positive behaviour therefore remains a great challenge.

There are some gains, however, and as a result of training and counseling on HIV/AIDS, more and more women are accepting to be tested. Home visits are conducted Polyclinic of Hope social workers with home-based care being emphasised for the women and their families, including their communities. The communities are involved to prepare the families and build solidarity, with the infected and affected being trained on how to take care of themselves and their loved ones without having to take them to hospital.

To strengthen its efforts in the HIV/Aids sector, RWN through the Polyclinic conducts workshops on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, support and care for Network members, including RWN community mobilizers, grassroot women leaders, church leaders and school teachers.

.