The government is taking steps to address healthcare funding gaps following la decision a few weeks back by the US government to defund its programmes through their international development agency USAID. The agency itself was declared by President Donald Trump closed, saying that its expenditure is ‘unexplainable’ and that it does not align with his ‘America First’ approach. This has impacted various projects all over the world and particularly in Rwanda many projects in the area of public health and related activities have been affected, according to the Minister of Health. The minister recently stated that the freeze has affected key areas, including maternal and child health, malaria control, and healthcare education—particularly for nurses and midwives—aligned with the 4x4 strategy introduced in 2023 to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in Rwanda over four years. However, he emphasized that Rwanda’s healthcare system has never been solely dependent on aid. ALSO READ: How Rwanda is moving to address healthcare gaps left by USAID freeze While external support has played a crucial role in strengthening the health sector, Rwanda’s swift response to bridge the funding gap demonstrates its ability to take charge of its healthcare system and ensure long-term resilience. This happens against the backdrop of increasing declarations by different Western countries scaling back their development aid towards Rwanda ostensibly for the latter’s support towards the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. The key learning here is that transitioning beyond aid requires collective efforts across multiple sectors, not just health, to foster economic independence and national development. Strengthening financial management and accountability will be essential to ensuring that public funds are used effectively to support national priorities. ALSO READ: Rwandans living with HIV wary of uncertainty in US funding This situation further underscores the urgent need for African governments—Rwanda in particular—to reduce reliance on foreign aid across all sectors, not just healthcare because, ultimately, it is their duty. A sustainable transition requires a collaborative approach, with the private sector contributing resources and educational institutions fostering innovation to inspire future generations. It is not easy, but it’s possible.
