President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 20 global champions advancing a historic pandemic treaty aimed at strengthening international health emergency preparedness. The recognition was conferred during the closing ceremony of the inaugural WHO Pandemic Agreement meeting held in Geneva.
The award, titled The World Together certificate, was presented by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and received on Kagame’s behalf by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Urujeni Bakuramutsa.
A Voice for Global Solidarity
President Kagame was commended for his “leadership in advocating for a global legally binding instrument to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies,” according to a statement from Rwanda’s embassy in Geneva. Ambassador Bakuramutsa celebrated the honor on social media, calling it “a proud recognition of Rwanda’s leadership in building an inclusive global health system that leaves no region, especially Africa, behind.”
Rwanda’s Role in Global Health
Rwanda has emerged as a vocal advocate for equitable health systems, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Kagame has consistently emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between nations and institutions to address global health threats. His administration has championed local capacity building, including the establishment of vaccine manufacturing facilities in partnership with BioNTech.
In February, during a high-level African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Kagame urged governments, businesses, and philanthropies to collaborate on domestic health financing. “The work to build our continent, including our health, cannot be outsourced to anyone else,” he stated.
The WHO’s recognition of President Kagame underscores Rwanda’s growing influence in shaping global health policy. As the world continues to grapple with emerging health threats, Kagame’s call for inclusive and resilient health systems resonates across borders.
