University of Global Health Equity in community outreach drive

The University of Global Health Equity has revealed plans to improve access to health services in rural areas. The university administrators made the remarks during a recent media briefing at the Rwinkavu campus. Peter Drobac, the executive director of the university said that since villages require more access to health services, extensions in remote areas would be crucial in improving the general health standards. “It is the same reason we decided to build the university in villages because we want to deliver. We decided to come to a remote location at Rwinkavu so that we can provide villagers with access to medicine,” he said. Drobac further pointed out that despite the huge government interventions, presence of most medical schools and hospitals in Kigali increases the burden of health issues such as malnutrition within the villages. “There are several efforts from government that support addressing the issue of malnutrition such as eating balanced meals. As a university, taking our students deep in villages ensures that they are able to witness all the challenges and later solve them appropriately,” Drobac added. Through a long strategic plan, the university will build a hospital in Rwinkavu and a cancer care centre in Burera to benefit both Rwandans and people from the region. Currently, Rwinkavu campus has students from atleast six countries that include; Australia, Burundi, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda,and the United States training in fields of veterinary, pharmacy and medicine. Former Minister of Health and now full-time lecturer at the university, Dr Agnes Binagwaho reiterated that a balance between doctors and hospital equipment in both towns and rural areas needs to be struck to save those in need of health services within the villages. “The majority of Rwandans live in rural areas so that’s why the people who need those medics are deep in remote areas. Equity in provision of health services is very essential in all aspects,” she said. Meanwhile, Marcello canelo a student pursuing masters in global health at the University of the Health Global Health Equity told the Education times that after working in Guyana-USA as dietician at Peace Corps volunteer she expects to boost her practical skills. “With my background as a nutritionist, I will put my effort on sensitization about better ways of eating a balanced diet,” she said. Partners In Health (PIH) founded the University of Global Health Equity in 2015. It is based in Kayonza District, Rwinkavu.