Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, on November 3, met with Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, to discuss the enhancement of the partnership between Rwanda and the Global Fund.

Their discussions centered on exploring ways to further strengthen the healthcare sector in Rwanda.

Sands pointed out that they had a "very fruitful” discussion about the progress made in improving the health of Rwandans, as well as the priorities for the future.

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"The Global Fund has been a partner with Rwanda in the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria, and together, we have achieved significant progress, particularly in the case of HIV,” he said.

He also mentioned that they discussed the necessary steps to sustain this progress and eliminate these diseases as threats to the health of the people of Rwanda.

Furthermore, Sands emphasised their ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to enhance the healthcare system. This includes initiatives to increase the availability of medical oxygen, improve ambulance services, and support the development of a more skilled healthcare workforce, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and medical technicians, among others.

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Meanwhile, the government through MoH has embarked on an initiative dubbed "Four by Four” which aims to multiply the health workforce fourfold by 2028.

Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana emphasised the significant role played by the Global Fund in the successful fight against HIV, TB, and malaria. He also noted their contribution to the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nsanzimana also said they discussed the general landscape of health financing, its future, and how to ensure the sustainability of investments in the healthcare system.

He said: "And we learn from other experiences, but more importantly, we must ensure that we invest in people. We train healthcare workers at all levels, including the highest level, so that they can continue to train others. This is how you establish a long-term legacy of capable individuals who can even contribute to building infrastructure, equipment, and making important discoveries.”

Nsanzimana said going forward, the Global Fund is committed to supporting the "Four by Four" initiative, which involves preparing the healthcare workforce.