The late Dr. Paul Farmer imagined a world where quality healthcare is not determined by geography or wealth but recognized as a fundamental human right. That vision led to the founding of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), an institution built to train health professionals who would care for patients while also strengthening the systems that serve them. This week in Butaro, that vision was reaffirmed as we marked our 10th anniversary alongside a historic graduation ceremony for the inaugural medical class and 10th MGHD class. 

The celebration brought together national leaders, university leadership, faculty, families, students, and partners to honor a major milestone in UGHE’s journey. A total of 78 students graduated, including 30 newly qualified medical doctors from the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) – a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) dual degree programme – and 48 graduates from the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) programme. For the first time, UGHE’s inaugural medical cohort completed the full dual-degree pathway – emerging not only as clinicians but as health system leaders, equipped to respond to complex challenges. 

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who was also the Guest of Honour. In his address, he acknowledged the increasing pressure on health systems, both in Rwanda and globally. Emerging diseases, workforce shortages, and financing constraints, he noted, are no longer abstract problems. Responding to them, he emphasized, requires more than clinical expertise. It demands leadership, an understanding of policy and data, and the ability to turn plans into real-world results. He called on the graduates to serve not only as practitioners but as leaders committed to strengthening institutions and improving health outcomes. 

The graduation ceremony also marked a historic moment for UGHE with the awarding of our first-ever honorary doctorate. Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda, received the Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. The honor reflects UGHE’s mission to celebrate individuals whose service and values align with the pursuit of equity and social progress. 

In accepting the degree, First Lady Kagame spoke of shared responsibility and shared purpose. She reaffirmed the belief that health is a fundamental human right and emphasized the need to keep equity at the center of education, leadership, and service. Addressing the graduates directly, she described their future work as transformative, telling them that their greatness is “a revolution in the making” and reminding them that there is no greater act of love than to protect and heal. 

Addressing the graduates, UGHE Chancellor Dr. Jim Yong Kim reminded them that graduation is not an end but the beginning of a demanding and meaningful journey. He spoke candidly about the realities of practicing medicine, particularly in under-resourced settings, where scarcity and frustration are often part of daily work. Yet he emphasized that the UGHE community remains a constant source of strength. “You do not leave UGHE when you graduate,” he said. “You remain part of a living community shaped by an option for the poor and a refusal to accept injustice and unnecessary suffering.” 

That sense of responsibility and courage was echoed by Prof. Philip Cotton, UGHE Vice Chancellor, who urged graduates to act boldly in service of the people they serve. He challenged them to combine vision, courage, and hope, and to believe that meaningful change, however difficult, is always possible. 

For the students themselves, the day marked both achievement and deep reflection. Speaking on behalf of the 30 MBBS graduates, Dr. Heritier Mfura highlighted the significance of graduating together as a complete cohort. “Today, something remarkable has happened,” he said. “All 30 students who began their journey together are graduating together.” He noted that their training was grounded in a moral vision that insists healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. He also emphasized that the cohort “being a good doctor is not knowing everything but knowing when to ask for help.” 

Representing the 48 MGHD graduates, Hope Florence Mizero reflected on the experience of studying global health in Rwanda, a country widely recognized for rebuilding its health system through equity-driven policies. She spoke of learning not only in classrooms but through observing a health system in action, one that demonstrates how interconnected health truly is and why equity cannot be achieved in isolation. 

The event also recognized outstanding academic excellence among the graduating class, awarding honors to students whose performance reflected exceptional commitment and achievement across medicine, global health management, surgery, One Health, and gender and reproductive health. 

As we celebrate ten years of impact, this graduation stands as a defining moment in UGHE history. It is a reminder of how far we have come and a promise of what lies ahead. The 78 graduates leave Butaro prepared not only to save lives but to build stronger, fairer health systems wherever they serve.