As we gathered to celebrate 10 years of impact at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), something felt different. It was not just another anniversary or a graduation ceremony. It was a moment of reflection, pride, and quiet urgency. ALSO READ: PM urges UGHE graduates to lead resilient health systems Seventy-eight graduates from more than 10 African countries and one European country stood together, representing not only academic achievement, but also a growing movement, rooted in the belief that Africa’s healthcare future can and must be shaped from within. ALSO READ: Why are the next 5 years crucial in global health? Listening to different leaders reflect on a decade of progress, I was struck by how far we have come, even as the journey continues. During the celebration, Rwanda’s First Lady reminded us of a powerful truth. I quote: “For a long time, solutions in our healthcare system seemed to come from elsewhere, but today we affirm a different truth. Pain, disease, and avoidable deaths are not our destiny anymore, and neither are we bound to wait for answers to arise from afar.” For many in the room, this was a moment of affirmation. While for me, it was deeply personal. Standing there as a graduating student, I realized that my own journey in global health is inseparable from this broader story. I did not arrive at this moment by accident. I grew up in Rwanda, a country that has had to rebuild almost from scratch. Being raised in an environment where young people were encouraged to dream and actively invited to lead. As a young woman, I heard our President repeatedly speak about empowering youth and creating space for women to rise and thrive, without being limited by societal expectations. These messages shaped how I saw myself and my potential. For a long time, I dreamed of making an impact in healthcare, not in theoretical terms, but in ways that would matter to my community and beyond. I wanted to understand why access to care remained unequal, why some communities continued to carry the heaviest burden of disease, and why health systems sometimes failed to meet the needs of those who depended on them most. Choosing to pursue a Master’s in Global Health Delivery was not just an academic decision; it was a commitment to understanding healthcare beyond hospitals and policies, and into the lived realities of communities. My time at UGHE challenged me in ways I did not expect. It taught me that healthcare is not only about services, but about values. In every community engagement, it mattered who was seen and who was heard. I came to understand equity not as something ideal, but as a daily practice; one that requires intention and accountability in serving the underserved and as justice, not charity. Through my training and community exposure, I began to see a side of healthcare that is too often overlooked. For years, many health policies have been designed far from the communities they are meant to serve. Decisions are made using numbers and reports. Yet communities understand their own challenges better than anyone. They know the barriers they face, the trade-offs they make, and the solutions that could work if given the chance. When communities are excluded, systems fail. When they are included, systems become stronger. This realization became even more striking when viewed against the broader African context. Across the continent, healthcare systems continue to struggle with gaps in access, workforce shortages, and uneven quality of care. Many of these challenges are rooted in a long-standing and unpredictable global supply system. While international support has played a crucial role, the outcome is often a cycle of temporary fixes rather than sustainable solutions. From infectious diseases to maternal and newborn health, emergency care, and surgical services, inequities remain visible and persistent. Where one lives, how much one earns, and whether one resides in a rural or urban area still determine the chances and the quality of care one receives. These are existing bottlenecks in systems still trying to build with equity at the core. As we stood there, I saw a new generation of African health leaders, one that understands the complexity of health systems and the importance of grounding solutions in local realities. Graduating alongside peers from across the continent, I witnessed a shared commitment to building healthcare systems that are determined to serve people. The late Dr. Paul Farmer once said that the idea that some lives matter less is the root of what is wrong in the world. That statement has stayed with me. If injustice in healthcare exists, then it is neither inevitable nor permanent. It can be challenged, unlearned, and replaced with systems that work for all, especially the most vulnerable. One thing remains clear: young people across Africa are increasingly educated, connected, and engaged. We are being trained not only to work within systems, but to question and improve them. However, empowerment must go beyond opportunity; it must come with responsibility. The future of healthcare will depend on those who are willing to commit to communities and remain engaged, even when progress is slow. As the rising generation of global health leaders, we are standing at a critical moment. We have the chance to shape systems that are resilient, people-centered, and grounded in equity. This will require courage to challenge existing models, to work persistently, and to build an impact that endures. The UGHE 10-year celebration was not just a look back; it was a call forward. It reminded us that Africa’s healthcare future does not have to mirror its past. It can be shaped by youth who believe that greatness is not individual achievement, but collective progress. To my fellow young Africans in health and beyond: this is our moment. Greatness lies within us and is already a revolution in the making. The equity in healthcare our communities deserve will not come from waiting; it will come from building. Let us choose to lead with purpose, center our communities, and create systems that ensure no one is left behind. Dr Marie-Merci Cyuzuzo is a global surgery consultant at University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).
