Dr. Diane Patricie Kayitesi is a consultant pediatrician and child health specialist with over 10 years of experience improving child survival, newborn care, and early childhood development in Rwanda. She has led national ETAT+, IMCI, CCD, digital IMNCI, and quality-of-care initiatives in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners. Her previous roles include Director of Medical and Allied Health Services and Head of Pediatrics at Muhima Hospital, Kigali, where she contributed to national mentorship programs, clinical guideline development, and partner coordination to advance child health outcomes.
Dr. Diane’s expertise spans clinical leadership, health systems strengthening, policy development, and multisectoral approaches, with a consistent commitment to evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for children and families.
She holds an MD, a Master of Medicine in Pediatrics, and an MSc in Public Health, with certifications in neonatal and pediatric emergency care. She is an award-winning poster presenter and certified mentorship master trainer.
She believes that when women lead, health policies become more inclusive, solutions more sustainable, and progress for families and communities accelerates, driven by empathy, lived experience, and community-centered perspectives.
Fun fact: Even on the longest workdays, you will find Dr. Diane quietly humming to herself as she thinks through complex problems, music is how she processes, and dancing is how she celebrates.