A Model for Global Health Education

Rwanda

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda was cited by UNESCO as a “high-quality health sciences institution” in its February report. UGHE, which pairs an education in human rights and social justice with community-based medical training, was launched in 2015 in partnership with the Rwandan government.

All students receive full or generous scholarships, averaging 95% of tuition and room and board. Graduates agree to serve six to nine years in vulnerable communities in coordination with their home country’s ministry of health. Africa bears 27% of the global burden of disease but has just 1.7% of the world’s doctors. UGHE’s equitable approach to health education is working to cure that injustice.