The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) has awarded First Lady Jeannette Kagame an honorary doctorate in recognition of her exceptional leadership, humanitarian service, and long-standing contribution to education, health, and social transformation.

The honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa), was conferred upon the First Lady during UGHE 10th anniversary and graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, in Burera District.

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Announcing the award during the graduation ceremony, UGHE Chancellor Dr Jim Yong Kim described the First Lady as a leader whose work reflects the highest ideals of scholarship, compassion, and public service, particularly in advancing access to health and education for vulnerable populations.

"Her leadership and humanitarian commitment have strengthened UGHE’s growth, credibility, and visibility across Africa and the world,” Kim said, noting her consistent support for the institution since its inception.

As founder and chairperson of the Imbuto Foundation, Jeannette Kagame has been at the forefront of initiatives promoting girls’ education, access to learning for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, family development, and reproductive health, Kim moted.

Her work has also been instrumental in cervical cancer prevention through HPV vaccination for girls, screening for women, and in the prevention and response to HIV.

She also founded Unity Club, a forum of current and former Cabinet members and their spouses, that promotes national unity and reconciliation in Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery.

Beyond Rwanda, the First Lady is a founding member and former president of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where she has been a leading advocate for maternal and child health, cancer prevention, mental health awareness, and gender equality.

Internationally, she has engaged on major global platforms, including the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly, advocating for health equity, education, and social justice.

Kim recalled the First Lady’s steadfast support for UGHE during one of its most difficult moments in 2022, following the passing of its Chancellor and co-founder, Dr Paul Farmer. He said her presence and encouragement provided comfort and stability to the university community during a period of transition.

Receiving the honorary degree, the First Lady said the award carried deep personal meaning and responsibility, describing it as both an honour and a tribute to Dr Farmer, whom she called a dear friend and a champion of health equity.

"It is with mixed emotions that I receive this great gift, an honour and a tribute to a true friend of mine. To be honoured in this way is a gift for which I can only find a few words,” said the First Lady.

She said she received the honorary doctorate with humility and gratitude, pledging continued support for the university’s work in advancing dignity, equity, and health for all.

She urged UGHE graduates to see themselves as part of a new generation reshaping health systems from within, rejecting the idea that solutions must come from elsewhere.

"Pain, disease and avoidable death are not our destiny,” she said. "Your greatness is a revolution in the making.”

Jeannette Kagame noted that health is a fundamental human right and that equity must remain central to how societies educate, serve, and lead. She also reiterated her commitment to UGHE’s mission, praising the university as a living expression of Dr Farmer’s vision that excellence in health education must go hand in hand with justice and compassion.