UGH Rwanda
Tomorrow, January 25, all roads will lead to Rural Burera district in Rwanda’s Northern Province for the inauguration of the first ever University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) built in Rwanda.
It is a big day for Rwanda’s health sector and Africa. At a breath-taking hill in Butaro, sits the University – established to provide the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery – similar to U.S.-based Harvard Medical School – which is a key partner.
Invitations have been delivered to guests and the media, as preparations for the official launch of a $150 million facility are in high gear.
The University is a subsidiary of Partners in Health (PIH) – a global non-for-profit organization that provides health care to the most vulnerable people across the world, with operations in Rwanda.
Construction works for the University started in 2015 and its inaugural graduation took place in May, 2017.
While officiating the graduation ceremony, President Paul Kagame revealed how he valued the event – pushing him to even miss a scheduled event in Europe.
“I don’t think there was anything more important for me today than being here. In fact those in my office know very well on this very date I had an event to attend in Europe which I canceled just for this,” Kagame said amidst applause.
Recalling the genesis of University of Global Health Equity presence in Rwanda, President Paul Kagame said that: “This initiative started a few short years ago with a subversive idea that world class health education could be delivered in Africa. Today, it is a reality,” he said.
UGHE Rwanda inaugural graduation
Ahead of tomorrow’s event, Dr. Paul Farmer said that: “Some of the key lessons learned in the delivery of equitable care have been learned right here in rural Rwanda. We are so excited for the countdown to Butaro to commence with tomorrow’s landmark inauguration!”
What is UGHE bringing to Rwanda and Africa?
According to officials at the University, the world class medical facility offers Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) as its flagship academic program.
Modeled after a similar program at Harvard Medical School, the MGHD is a two-year, part-time program that provides one-of-a-kind learning experiences fundamentally rooted in the principles of global health, One Health, epidemiology, global health policy, management, finance, and leadership.
The MGHD curriculum uses innovative learning methodology and pedagogy to address complex challenges by investigating emerging delivery systems.
Classes are taught by international and local implementation experts from leading academic and medical institutions, including Harvard Medical School, Yale University, and Tufts University, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, and the Rwanda Biomedical Center.
It also provides undergraduate program.
