UGHE Graduates Shine at Master of Science in Global Health Delivery Commencement
Kigali, August 4th is a day of celebration for the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE). In a heartbeat, a memorious moment, 54 lions and lionesses marching into the epilogue of their milestone. Standing in two lines, just a step behind their 16 respective flags, representing the diverse cultures they had enjoyed for nearly a year at our beautiful Butaro Campus.
Parents, friends, and esteemed faculty, staff and UGHE contractors who had supported the graduates throughout their academic journey, were present to witness the breathtaking ceremony – the Graduation of the 9th cohort of the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD). It is commenced by Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the Chancellor of UGHE, with a welcome note.
This is the 9th cohort of the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD). The graduates came from one of four specialist options of global health delivery: One Health with 10 “Plus one”, Health Management with 8, Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health with 27, and the newest, Global Surgery with 9.
Also read: A Commitment to One Health: The Inspiring Journey of Pacifique Ufitinema “plus one” Through MGHD
Smiles adorned the faces of attendees, with rounds of applause, congratulatory speeches, and motivating statements echoing through the venue. The graduates are the happiest of all, reflecting on the sleepless nights and challenging projects that have provided them with hands-on experience and tangible skills to serve the most vulnerable and underserved communities.
Of the four graduates who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, gratitude is the chorus.
“Our time at UGHE has been filled with challenges, late-night study sessions, and more cups of coffee than I care to count. But it is through these challenges that we have grown, both personally and academically. We have been exposed to new ideas, new cultures, and new ways of thinking. We have emerged from the crucible of graduate school stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before,” says Placide Sesonga, One Health option.
“Throughout our training, UGHE created opportunities for us to share our experiences and learn from each other, to think about systems and not just our siloed interests like anesthesia or orthopedics, to innovate with care, considering the whole patient journey as we came up with solutions, and finally to engage the community, placing their priorities and needs at the core of our work,” says Gatwiri Murithi, Global Surgery option.
“I sincerely thank the UGHE family for believing in and nurturing us into who we are today. Even as we celebrate our achievements, we celebrate an even more remarkable achievement for UGHE; it is a challenging task to produce world-class global health leaders year after year,” says Aron Shadrack, Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health option.
“Time goes so fast, but our time won’t be remembered by grades, popularity, likes, or favorites. The class of 2024 lives in the legacy of Dr. Paul Farmer’s words as we celebrate today by God’s grace with the partnerships we have formed,” says Tabael Paul, Health Management option.
The happiness was extended by motivational and inspirational speeches from our esteemed guests. One of those is Hon. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Rwanda’s Minister of Health who represented His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda and our guest of honor. Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized the significance of partnership in enhancing Rwandan health quality and commended the University for its recent remarkable achievement of ranking 8th among the top 10 universities in Sub-Saharan Africa, as per Times Higher Education.
The graduation speaker, Dr. Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, urges the graduates to ensure health equity in their future endeavours. He emphasizes that health is not just treating people but also advocating for those in need.
“Find your passion within this incredibly diverse field. The four options we heard about today are just a sampling of the diversity of things you can do in global health delivery. Whether it’s in community health or policy reform, let your purpose and heart guide you. Remember that behind every number, every statistic, there is a person, a story waiting to be heard, waiting to be told. Empathy, the ability to feel the joy and pain of others, will be your most powerful tool. Understand the lives of others, their struggles, fears, and hopes,” Dr. Patel said.
Dr. Jim Yong Kim, UGHE Chancellor and PIH Co-Founder reminded the congregation of UGHE’s mission and vision, reflecting on the late Dr. Paul Farmer’s “crazy” idea of bringing the University to one of the the poorest parts of Rwanda – Butaro. Yet, it is promising as the University continues to impact health and education in Rwanda and transform medical and health education across Africa.
After congratulating the four best performers from their respective options and awarding them medals of honour, the vivid ceremony also expressed gratitude to two employees who had shown notable contributions and adherence to the mission and vision of UGHE and our parent organization, Partners In Health. Andrew Ndabarasa’s outstanding performance in Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB) was recognized and awarded.
The second prize was given to Jean Baptiste Maniragaba, a senior gardener at UGHE Butaro campus, for his invaluable contribution to maintaining the beautiful landscape and green lands of the Butaro campus.
The Sub-Saharan Africa bears 25% of the global disease burden, yet only 3% of the healthcare workforce is available to tackle it. That is where UGHE comes in. MGHD a UGHE’s flagship program, transforms healthcare experts into global health leaders through an interdisciplinary, biosocial approach. Guided by esteemed faculty and renowned experts, graduates gain invaluable insights and practical experience via coursework, field placements, and real-world case studies. They collaborate with local communities, international organizations, and governmental bodies, showcasing their dedication to improving global health outcomes. The intensive research practicum provides hands-on experience in research design, implementation, management, analysis, and dissemination. Specialized options offer a deeper understanding of core health challenges and targeted solutions. These bright minds are poised to become catalysts of change, driving innovations and improving health systems worldwide.
Photos: Courtesy of UGHE
Watch the full event streamed below
Access the photo gallery here
Read Media Features Below
Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA)
- Rwanda TV Report – English News: UGHE’s 9th cohort graduates urged to address health sector gaps across Africa
- Rwanda TV Report – Kinyarwanda News: Abasoje amasomo muri Kaminuza ya UGHE basabwe kuziba ibyuho bigaragara mu buvuzi
The NewTimes Rwanda
IGIHE
KT Press
Kigali Today
- Twiyemeje kongera umubare w’abaganga, ariko twongera n’ireme ry’ubuvuzi dutanga – Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana
- Video: UGHE graduates 9th Cohort from Master of Science in Global Health Delivery
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