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President Kagame Highlights WHO Health School's Role in Rwanda's Ambitious Healthcare Workforce Goals
President Paul Kagame highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health School opened in France is crucial in helping Rwanda achieve its goal of quadrupling the number of healthcare workers by 2028. He made this statement on December 17, 2024, through technology, joining the ceremony marking the official opening of the WHO Health School in Lyon, France.
The school was established with the aim of assisting UN member countries in addressing various gaps in the health sector, particularly in advancing training programs for healthcare workers based on modern technology. President Kagame noted that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical need for proper training for healthcare workers in Africa, especially as global health challenges have increased over time.
He emphasized that now is the time for countries to prioritize advancements in knowledge and technology to provide up-to-date training for healthcare workers in tackling these challenges. He stated, "In Rwanda, we have set a goal of quadrupling the number of healthcare workers in the next four years. The WHO Health School will help us achieve this goal, and we are ready to maximize its potential in every way possible."
The President also mentioned that the WHO Health School will support Rwanda in providing high-quality and widely accessible healthcare services to its population. He added that it will enhance collaboration, allowing Rwandans, particularly healthcare workers, to gain knowledge in critical areas like healthcare technologies.
The WHO Health School will offer advanced courses for healthcare workers, decision-makers from different countries, and WHO staff.
The school is located in the Gerland district of Lyon, a research hub for advancing medical technology. It is designed with modern, eco-friendly infrastructure and is expected to foster innovation and collaboration between countries. Students, instructors, researchers, and experts will meet to exchange ideas that promote global health.
The opening ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and delegates from multiple countries.
The Rwandan government has set a target that by 2028, the 4x4 program will ensure that Rwanda's healthcare workforce exceeds 58,000, up from the more than 25,000 healthcare workers the country had in July 2024. At that time, four doctors will care for 1,000 citizens, compared to one doctor per 1,000 people today.
