University of Rwanda hosts high-level delegation from Chinese health institutions

The University of Rwanda is currently hosting a distinguished delegation from China’s higher learning institutions on behalf of Rwanda Government, focusing on the health sector. This significant visit, orchestrated through discussions involving Dr. Jim Kim, Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity and co-founder of Partners in Health, and Rwanda’s Ministries of Health and Education, aims to enhance health research and education.

UR Ag. Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas
The University of Rwanda has been designated as the primary institution to spearhead the forthcoming collaborative efforts, with the University of Global Health Equity playing a crucial supporting role. Dr. Kim highlighted the strong connections between the Chinese delegation and his tenure at the World Bank, emphasizing Rwanda’s reputation under President Kagame’s leadership as the "Proof of Concept Country."

Hon. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health, VC Prof. Kayihura M. Didas, UGHE Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Cotton with leaders of the Chinese Delegation.
The visiting delegation comprises representatives from the Centre for Global Public Health - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang University, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Notably, Zhejiang University boasts a faculty staff of 28,000, almost equal to the University of Rwanda’s student population of over 30,000.

The delegation’s itinerary commenced at the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, where Hon. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana outlined Rwanda’s health sector transformation, detailing its achievements and future plans. Professor Phillip Cotton, Vice Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity, led his institution’s team during this presentation.

The day concluded at the University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Engineering and e-Health. Here, the UR Vice Chancellor and Minister of Education, Mr. Twagirayezu Gaspard, hosted the core discussions. Presentations from both Rwandan and Chinese institutions highlighted their operations and explored potential cooperation areas, moderated by Dr. Ndikumana Raymond, UR Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration.

A memorandum of understanding is set to be signed between the University of Rwanda and the three Chinese universities. This visit is expected to deepen the Chinese delegation’s understanding of the Rwandan higher education sector within the context of global public health, infectious diseases, research, medical education, and innovation.

Sessions were moderated by Dr Ndikumana, the DVC for Strategic Planning and Administration

Participants at the event

Minister of Education Twagirayezu (L) and VC Prof Kayihura the reception of Chinese delegation

Centre’s staff during lab experiments

A section of the delegation observing some of equipments in the lab

By Kabagambe R. Ignatius