The University of Rwanda’s EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management celebrated the graduation of its fourth cohort of Master’s in Health Supply Chain Management students during the university’s 10th graduation ceremony held at Huye Stadium, on October 25.

This year, 38 graduates from EAC Partner States joined the ranks of 97 previous graduates since the programme’s inception in 2017. The ceremony was attended by a significant number of dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, an alumnus of the University of Rwanda, the Minister of Education, and other officials.

Over the past two years, these students have engaged in rigorous coursework, practical projects, and collaborative research, equipping themselves with skills to enhance health supply chains across the EAC region.

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Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente commended the new graduates, emphasising his confidence that the University of Rwanda has equipped them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values, and anticipates their contribution to addressing pressing challenges.

"As you embark on your new journey of your careers, I encourage you all to make a meaningful impact that will positively transform lives in your communities. My message to you is to uphold the values of patriotism and integrity,” he stated.

The prime minister urged them to seize every opportunity the nation offers, adding that they must think big, seek innovative development solutions, and undertake impactful projects that benefit both them and the country.

In his address, Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Didas Kayihura Muganga, stated that the knowledge and skills acquired are powerful tools for driving change, inspiring innovation, and fostering community development while highlighting the transformation of higher education over the past decade through collaboration and interdisciplinary learning.

"As you step into a world that is both promising and unpredictable, remember the values instilled in you during your time with us. This period has shaped you into critical thinkers and compassionate individuals committed to high-level service.”

Muganga also expressed pride in the university’s partnerships that have supported the graduation of 13 fellows in health subspecialties, which he believes will positively impact the health system.

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Dr Jean Baptiste Nyandwi, the training coordinator at the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management, highlighted the significance of the programme, adding that the number of graduates has increased.

"Today is particularly important as it marks a milestone for us, celebrating our growth from a small number of graduates to a much larger cohort. The number of graduates will continue to increase with the new programmes we are initiating and the support from the government,” he said.

Nyandwi also explained that they are well-equipped to enhance access to health commodities and ensure supply chain security.

"We train students to improve the supply chain performance of essential health commodities, vaccines, and other life-saving products; they are helping to uplift supply chain performance across the region and beyond,” he added.

One of the graduates in the Master’s programme for health supply chain management at the University of Rwanda, Anneth Wilbroad from Tanzania, congratulated her fellow students for their achievement while highlighting how incredible and enriching an experience she has had.

She extended her gratitude to the centre for the profound impact it had on their education.

"I want to acknowledge the challenges we faced during this journey. Balancing work, studies, and family life has not been easy—many of us also manage businesses alongside our studies. It was certainly hectic, but it proved to be achievable with proper prioritisation. Juggling family, work, and education required careful time management and prioritisation, but we made it,” she noted.

The centre also offers a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance (MPAQA). It also delivers various short courses in health supply chain management as well as specialised training in vaccinology, preparing participants to effectively manage vaccine distribution and implementation.

A Master’s of Science in Vaccinology and a Master’s of Science in Medical Products Regulatory Affairs are upcoming, further enhancing opportunities for advanced education and professional growth in the health supply chain sector.

The East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), hosted by the University of Rwanda, has been primarily funded by the German Development Cooperation (BMZ) and the German Development Bank (KfW) through various grants.

This funding allows the centre to offer scholarships of 15,000 euros to deserving public servants from the EAC on an equal quota basis.