Rwanda’s Vision for Expanding Healthcare Workforce Supported by New WHO Academy

Rwanda has high hopes for the newly opened WHO Academy in Lyon, France, which aims to help the country meet its goal of expanding its healthcare workforce fourfold in the next four years.

President Paul Kagame shared this vision on Tuesday, December 17, during the official launch of the academy, an institution designed to train healthcare professionals worldwide, with a special focus on the latest medical technologies.

The WHO Academy offers innovative education in healthcare through free online courses, making it accessible to health workers everywhere. These courses can be taken remotely or in person, allowing professionals to improve their knowledge no matter where they are.

As the world faces rapid advancements in medical science and technology, the academy aims to provide health workers with the tools they need to tackle emerging health issues, including pandemics and long-standing challenges. The academy is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge they need to stay ahead in a fast-changing field.

President Kagame emphasized the importance of continuous learning for healthcare workers, especially in Africa, where there is an urgent need to enhance capacity. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how crucial it is to upskill healthcare workers. Health challenges have only increased since then, and the need for continuous education is more urgent than ever,” he said.

The academy is particularly significant for Rwanda, as the country aims to expand its healthcare workforce to reduce the burden on doctors. President Kagame pointed out that Rwanda’s goal of increasing the number of health workers fourfold over the next four years will be significantly supported by the WHO Academy.

“In Rwanda, we plan to quadruple the number of health workers in the next four years. The WHO Academy will play a vital role in helping us reach this goal, and we are eager to take full advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

Currently, one doctor in Rwanda serves approximately 1,000 people, while the World Health Organization recommends at least four doctors per 1,000 patients. Without action, experts predict that it could take up to 187 years for Rwanda to reach the recommended doctor-to-patient ratio. To address this, the country is reforming its healthcare system and increasing investments in medical education and training.

President Kagame stressed the importance of providing citizens with consistent, accessible, and affordable healthcare. “We can benefit from sharing knowledge in key sectors like medical technology,” he noted, emphasizing the potential for collaboration with global partners to build on the progress made.

Rwanda is among 33 countries supporting the WHO Academy, which is seen as a powerful tool to transform healthcare globally through the enhancement of knowledge and technology. Other countries involved include Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kenya, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

In closing, President Kagame expressed confidence in the academy’s potential to make a significant impact. “Rwanda is ready to contribute to this important endeavor,” he said, emphasizing that the academy represents a major step forward in improving global healthcare.