Rwanda will this month host the first ever health forum organised by WHO’s Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) in its capital Kigali.
The forum set to take place on 27 and 28 June will see global leaders and thinkers come together to explore Africa’s healthcare priorities and challenges and find new ways to achieve better health for all.
Organised under the theme: “Putting People First: The Road to Universal Health Coverage in Africa”, the event will provide a platform to forge new partnerships for delivering Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a mechanism for improving access to quality, affordable healthcare for all, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO is organizing the 1st #Africa Health Forum in Kigala, #Rwanda 🇷🇼, 27-28 June 2017 https://t.co/wr13ocP1yM #WHOAHF #PuttingPeopleFirst pic.twitter.com/UdIpu1vXfu
— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) June 12, 2017
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that the Forum provides a unique opportunity for its partners.
“Health is at the heart of the SDGs, and is critical for better quality of life. WHO AFRO is committed to working with countries and partners to attain the highest possible level of health for Africa’s people. This forum will help pave the way to attain UHC across the continent. We are convinced that together, we can do more to save lives and achieve a prosperous and sustainable future for all.”
Experts from a wide range of backgrounds will speak at the WHO Africa Health Forum, including academics, government representatives, the private sector and youth organisations.
Rwanda was strategically selected to host the Forum given its excellent records in improving its health system and achieving all the health related MDGs, the New Times reports.
Dr Olushayo Olu, WHO Country Representative for Rwanda said that the country has built a working health system in which even the poor and disadvantaged have access to quality medical care through the Community Based Health Insurance, and the rest of African countries can learn from.
