Rwanda has urged African countries to increase investment in healthcare systems, saying stronger domestic capacity is key to addressing the continent’s health challenges and reducing dependence on external support.
Dr. Yvan Butera, Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of Health, said African nations need to prioritize investments in health financing, local production of medicines and vaccines, and stronger regulatory systems to ensure sustainable access to healthcare services.
He made the remarks during a special African Union (AU) meeting of health ministers held in Accra, Ghana, where African leaders and health officials discussed strategies to strengthen healthcare systems across the continent.
Dr. Butera shared Rwanda’s experience in expanding healthcare access, highlighting the country’s community-based health insurance programme and ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring citizens receive quality and affordable medical services.
He said Africa’s ability to respond to health challenges depends on strengthening local pharmaceutical production, improving coordination among regulatory authorities, and ensuring that essential medicines, vaccines and diagnostic equipment are available to those who need them.
“Investment in health should not be seen only as a cost, but as an opportunity to strengthen economies,” Dr. Butera said, noting that healthy populations play a critical role in driving national development.
The meeting was held as African countries continue efforts to build resilient health systems, address inequalities in healthcare access and apply lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly challenges related to medicine and vaccine availability.
Rwanda has invested heavily in health sector reforms through the Fifth Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP5), which aims to support the country’s goal of achieving universal healthcare coverage by 2030.
The country has also launched the 4×4 programme, an initiative designed to increase the number of highly skilled doctors, nurses and midwives by four times within four years to address gaps in healthcare personnel.
Through these initiatives, Rwanda continues to promote healthcare investment as a foundation for improved public health, economic growth and long-term development.
