Rural Islands Community Health Initiative (RICHI) was founded by Dr. Bernard in 2011 during a mission trip with Emmanuel International,an England christian mission on an Island in Lake Victoria.RICHI addresses critical healthcare gaps in Tanzania's Lake Zone. Initially it responded to medical emergencies in under served areas due to lack of healthcare infrastructure, it was formally registered as a charity in 2012 and an NGO in 2021.
In partnership with various donors, RICHI provides mobile clinics, medical camps, and public health education, focusing on fisher folk communities. Our comprehensive activities emphasizes maternal and child health, chronic disease management, nutrition programs, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene initiatives.
With strategic focus on vulnerable communities, RICHI advocates for better healthcare resources for marginalized populations, evidence-based child protection reforms, and ethical healthcare practices. It aims to scale regionally and nationally, offering community-based health programs tailored to local needs. The organization has positively impacted 37 islands, promoting public health awareness and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations.