Burera District, Rwanda: The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) celebrated a decade of advancing health equity by graduating 78 healthcare leaders on January 25, 2026, reinforcing its mission to train professionals capable of transforming health systems.
Founded by the late Dr. Paul Farmer in 2015, UGHE was established with a vision of a healthier, more equitable world. Over the past ten years, that vision has been realized through graduates equipped to tackle complex health challenges and drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery.
The ceremony recognized 30 new medical doctors from the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery–Master of Global Health Delivery (MBBS-MGHD) program, while 48 graduates completed the Master of Global Health Delivery (MGHD) program, all prepared to assume leadership roles across Rwanda and beyond.
At the event, the First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of her work expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Speaking to the graduates, she emphasized that protecting and healing lives is the highest calling. “Your greatness is a revolution in the making,” she said, praising their dedication to global health.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, the guest of honor, highlighted the challenges facing the healthcare sector, including workforce shortages and emerging diseases. He urged graduates to go beyond clinical expertise, stressing that effective leadership requires understanding policy, management, and implementation to strengthen health systems.
As UGHE celebrates its tenth anniversary, this graduating cohort exemplifies the university’s mission: to equip healthcare professionals with both clinical skills and leadership vision. These 78 graduates are poised to make a meaningful impact, advancing health equity in Rwanda and beyond, while continuing Dr. Paul Farmer’s legacy of innovation, compassion, and leadership in global health.
