University of Global Health Equity Graduates Its Eighth Cohort From The Master of Science In Global Health Delivery Program

Yesterday, on August 6, 2023 at Kigali Convention Center, marked a significant milestone for the 8^th cohort with 46 graduating students (22 females and 24 males) of the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery program (MGHD) at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).

MGHD is UGHE’s flagship academic program modeled after a similar program at Harvard Medical School.

The students, from 13 countries (Burundi, Canada, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Syria, Zimbabwe and USA), are now global health champions who will contribute to building equitable health systems.

They specialized in three courses: one Health (13 students), Gender and Sexual Reproductive Health (19 students) and Health Management (14 students).

The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana. He highlighted the persistent inequities in global health systems such as the shortage of doctors, nurses, and midwives in resource-limited countries, including Rwanda.

He said the Rwandan government is concerned about the challenge and is aiming to work to quadruple the country’s current healthcare workforce in the next four years.

The Minister said the government of Rwanda counts much on this program as one of the solutions and he said that he believes it provided the graduates with necessary skills. “Our healthcare systems need you, Rwanda needs you. We need more innovations, maybe the next new vaccine or the next digital program that is going to change the lives of people will come from you. Believe that you are the one; it doesn’t have to come from very far.”

However, he noted, “But beyond papers, what comes from your heart, the person you meet and what you do for that person is more important.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Joia Mukherjee, Chief Medical Officer of Partners In Health (PIH), who was the Commencement Speaker, believes the future of the graduates is bright and it will be impactful. “You will make your University, your Alma Mater, proud as you pair your conviction for health as a human right.”

She added, “As you commence today, we welcome you, more lions, who can write the history and shape the future of health.”

Anthony C. Kwarbo from Liberia, who graduated with a Masters in Health Management, delivered a message on behalf of his class.  “Today we leave the walls of UGHE, but I want us to go out ready to make the world a better place than we found it. UGHE Lions, go out and roar as agents of social justice and bring pride to this den.”

Peace Iraguha, a Graduate in Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health, called upon her colleagues to continue to challenge harmful norms, and advocate for inclusive policies.  “Let our collective commitment to showing up be the catalyst for positive change and a testament to our dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.”

And for Ruth Zihiga Uwase, a graduate of One Health, she encouraged her classmates to remain conscious of the power their degrees hold. “It is a power that can be wielded to uplift the marginalized, to amplify the voices of the voiceless, and to bring about lasting change.”

“Throughout our education, we have been equipped with tools to break down barriers and to advocate for justice,” she said.

UGHE’s campus, located in Butaro District, northern Rwanda, alongside the Butaro District Hospital and Cancer Center of Excellence, award-winning clinical facilities built by PIH, brings a new approach to recruiting and training health professionals.

The university builds on PIH’s three decades of experience in delivering health services to some of the world’s poorest communities.

UGHE says it is on a mission to radically change the way health care is delivered around the world, building the next generation of global health professionals—doctors, nurses, researchers, and public health and policy experts—into leaders and changemakers who strive to deliver more equitable, quality health services for all.