The World Health Conference was held virtually for the first time this year due to COVID-19 and covered only essential matters of the World Health Organization (WHO), in order to focus on the global COVID-19 pandemic response.

Rwandan delegation led by the Minister of Health Dr. Daniel Ngamije attended the 73rd World Health Assembly through Video Conference, on Monday May 18, 2020. In his remarks, Minister Ngamije shared that the focus of Rwanda is the Primary Health Care.

“Rwanda considers the Primary Health Care approach as one of the most important vehicle for achieving universal health coverage. Through this approach, Rwanda reinforces a people-centered, integrated and sustainable health care system in order to ensure quality essential health care services as close to the community as possible” Said Minister Ngamije

Minister Ngamije highlighted the importance to have a global solidarity and collaboration to strengthen partnership in sharing key information that will aid Governments to make informed decisions to contain COVID-19. He also asked that the World respondes COVID-19 wakeup call and realize that it is inevitable to invest in health sectors than never before.

Rwanda promised to continue to build a resilient health system that is adaptive to changes, new demands, and new stressors such as COVID-19, Ebola and other epidemic emergencies. The Rwanda Health Minister, Dr. Daniel Ngamije concluded his remarks by commending the Leadership for its work, effort and courage at all levels in fighting  COVID-19.

The World Health Assembly was a two days’ conference that was health on 18 – 19 May 2020 and is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. The Assembly was graced by Heads of State and Government and attended by Health Ministers of the WHO Member States, the WHO Director-General, Regional-Directors of the six WHO Regions, and senior officials from the WHO.