The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Zachee Iyakaremye, called for great collaboration, innovation, and collective action in shaping the future of Africa’s health systems. He made his remarks during the opening of the Seventh African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) Scientific Conference in Kigali on Tuesday, March 11. ALSO READ: Govt scales up advanced healthcare training to meet growing demand Iyakaremye emphasised that the challenges facing health systems across the continent can only be addressed through concerted effort, with governments, academia, and the private sector working together to find effective solutions. Iyakaremye urged cross-sector collaboration, noting that health systems cannot thrive in isolation. ALSO READ: How Rwanda’s new Rwf7tn strategy plans to improve healthcare No single entity, whether government, academia, or the private sector can tackle the challenges facing our health systems alone,” he said. He highlighted the connection of health with sectors such as education, advocating for a holistic approach to health system strengthening. Speaking to an audience of policymakers, researchers, and health practitioners from across the continent, Iyakaremye explained Rwanda’s progress in health system strengthening, particularly through the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) model. The scheme has enabled Rwandans, regardless of socio-economic status, to access essential healthcare services. Iyakaremye pointed out the role of health economics and policy in driving change. He noted that health systems face numerous challenges, such as pandemics and fluctuating funding, which require innovative solutions. “To overcome these challenges, we must embrace digital health technologies, diversify our financing strategies, and strengthen partnerships,” he stated. He noted Rwanda’s integration of performance-based financing and health resource tracking tools as examples of how technological innovation can enhance service delivery and resource management. Iyakaremye added that Rwanda’s commitment to leading health system reforms is not only within the country but across Africa. “The goal is to create health systems that are not only resilient but also sustainable and equitable for all.” The conference that runs until March 14, under the theme, “Strengthening health systems for universal health coverage and resilience”, is aimed at addressing the urgent need for sustainable healthcare solutions to tackle Africa's diverse and continual challenges.
