UGHE Graduates Receive Valuable Advice on Excelling in Public Health Care for Underserved Communities
By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU
Kigali-Rwanda: 54 graduates of the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) received valuable advice on excelling in public health care, particularly for underserved communities.
On Sunday, 4th August 2024, the ninth cohort of MGHD students, hailing from 16 countries worldwide, gathered at the Kigali Convention Center to celebrate their achievements alongside family, faculty, staff, and esteemed guests.
Countries represented in this cohort include Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, USA, and Zambia.
Students graduated under four different options – One Health, Health Management, Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and the newest Global Surgery.
Addressing the graduates, Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana emphasized that completing their courses does not signify the end of their learning journey. He encouraged them to remember that they will always be learning, urging them to practice politeness, consistency, and perseverance in all aspects of their lives.
He said, “As a civil servant, I want to share with you the most important lessons I have learned. There are three key things that stand out to me. Firstly, discipline. Discipline is crucial in all aspects of life. It’s not just about following rules and regulations, but rather about staying focused on your goals despite any obstacles or distractions that may come your way. It involves working on your goals, your mindset, your behavior, and your work ethic until you achieve what you set out to do. That is true discipline.”
“Secondly, consistency is essential. In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to get pulled in different directions. If you don’t stay true to your purpose and remain consistent in your approach towards your goals and discipline, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Consistency is key in navigating this ever-changing world.”
Dr. Nsanzimana also emphasized the importance of perseverance in achieving success. “You will undoubtedly face numerous obstacles along the way. Whether it’s friends, family, professors, or partners telling you something is impossible or advising you to give up, don’t listen to them. Persevere and continue pushing forward, as that is where true vision and growth come from. Perseverance is perhaps the most valuable trait to possess in life, in public service, and in all your endeavors – and it’s something that cannot be taught.”
They also received a reminder not to compromise on the lagacy of the late Prof. Paul Farmer, founder of UGHE and Partners In Health.
In his address, Prof. Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Havard Medical school said “As you walk away with your degrees, I would like all of us to think for a moment of what Paul Farmer might have said to you had he been standing here on this podium. I know for sure, as I’m sure all of you do, that Paul is looking down on us, his heart bursting with pride.”
“You’ve chosen a path that transcends your careers. For health equity isn’t just really about treating diseases in individuals. It’s about addressing those structural systemic disparities and advocating for the poor and vulnerable, and ensuring that everyone has the same quality of health and health care, no matter where they live, no matter what their station in life is.” Prof. Vikram said.
He reminded them that “Health equity is not a solo mission.”
“It is indeed, as someone has said, a symphony in which each musician and each instrument plays. So collaborate with fellow professionals, community leaders, policy makers, for together we can dismantle and build on a healthier world.” He said.
Prof. Vikram emphasized the importance of advocating fiercely for equity and justice, speaking up against injustice, and embracing diversity. He reminded the graduates that their education does not end at graduation, urging them to stay curious, seek mentors who inspire them, and learn from diverse cultures and perspectives.
Health equity, Prof. Vikram acknowledged, is hard work that requires sacrifices both financially and emotionally. However, he highlighted the rewards of seeing lives transformed through their work, sharing a touching story of a family affected by mental health equity that he recently spent time with.
As the graduates prepare to step out into the world as advocates for health equity, Prof. Vikram encouraged them to take care of themselves, find balance in their lives, and remember that they are joining a movement that seeks justice, compassion, and health for all.
In closing, he congratulated the graduates on this significant milestone in their lives and reminded them that they are now foot soldiers of a movement that considers good health a fundamental human right. He urged them to go forth with courage, integrity, and a heart full of hope and purpose, knowing that their journey will be transformative for both themselves and the lives they touch.
In his Remarks, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the Chancellor of UGHE, reflected on the vision and legacy of the university’s founder, Dr. Paul Farmer.
He said that Dr. Farmer, a renowned physician and humanitarian, had a bold vision to establish a world-class medical university in Rwanda, one of the poorest regions in Africa.
Despite initial skepticism, Dr. Kim acknowledged that Dr. Farmer’s vision has become a reality, thanks to the dedication of faculty members and generous donors such as Linda Gates and Bill and Joyce Cummings.
UGHE’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to the poorest and most marginalized populations has earned it recognition on the global stage.
The Times of London Higher Education Ranking System recently ranked UGHE as the 8th best university in sub-Saharan Africa, a testament to its academic excellence and impact on health education in the region.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Dr. Kim urged them to uphold UGHE’s values of serving the underserved and transforming healthcare in Africa and beyond. He expressed confidence that these young leaders would make a significant impact in their communities and contribute to the university’s legacy.
Dr. Kim congratulated the graduates and assured them of UGHE’s continued support as they pursue their careers. He emphasized that they are the future leaders that the world has been waiting for, and he looks forward to witnessing their achievements in the years to come.
Graduates across various disciplines spoke out during their commencement ceremonies, sharing their experiences and expressing gratitude for the opportunities they had been given. One such graduate, Gatwiri Murithi, who received her Master’s in Global Surgery Option, delivered a powerful speech highlighting the importance of addressing inequities in healthcare.
Murithi praised the faculty and partners for their dedication to teaching a subject that is often overlooked in global health discussions. She emphasized the need for safe and affordable surgery to be accessible to all, stating that it is not an impossible goal to achieve.
Throughout her program, Murithi had the opportunity to work with classmates from diverse backgrounds, including those from countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sudan, and Sierra Leone. She stressed the importance of collaboration and learning from each other’s experiences to find innovative solutions to complex global health issues.
She urged her fellow graduates to advocate for equity in healthcare and to take intentional action to address the challenges facing global surgery. She encouraged her peers to go out into the world and make a difference, one surgery at a time, one system at a time.
The Class of 2024 was congratulated for their hard work and dedication, with a call to continue pushing for progress in the field of global health. As they move forward in their careers, these graduates are poised to make a lasting impact on the world around them.
