PHOTOS: WHO boss pledges support towards implementation of SDGs in Rwanda

The visiting Director General of World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the health sector in Rwanda. The UN official yesterday paid a visit to Mayange Health Centre in Bugesera District where he was taken through its services and achievements. He commended the services offered by the hospital and the steps taken by the Government of Rwanda towards achieving the SDGs in the health sector. “Rwanda is one of the model countries in health care coverage because of the integration between services offered at the village level and the centre,” he said. Dr Tedros Adhanom noted that the leadership and ownership of SDGs by the community were the main pillars for the attainment of the goals. (L-R) Minister Diane Gashumba, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , the Governor of Eastern Province Fred Mufulukye during the tour at Mayange Health Center WHO supports countries based on the priorities but it’s the country’s ownership that can bring commitment to anything, he said. “We have seen changes in Rwanda because there is ownership and commitment by the country itself. The role of WHO is to support Rwanda’s priority, we will not only strengthen the partnership, but also use Rwanda’s model as a best practice that other countries can learn from,” added the Who boss. “The number of women delivering at health facilities is 91 % in Rwanda; this by any standard is the highest I have heard of in Africa,” said the Ethiopian. He said that Rwanda was one of the best performers in the 2000-2015 Millennium Development Goals (SDGs) and that WHO will continue to closely work with Rwanda on SDGs. Dr Tedros also visited Nyamata Genocide memorial, where more than 5,000 victims are interred. “This is shocking, it’s beyond learning and knowing about the Genocide in Rwanda,” he said. “The most important thing is learning from it and make sure it never happens again. Keeping the memories alive is vital to help us understand why it happened and fight it forever.” Community Health workers show Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus how they treat patients Before coming to Rwanda, Dr Tedros went to Kenya and Madagascar. The former Ethiopian minister for foreign affairs was elected to head the global body last year. World Health Organization s Dr Tedros Adhanom pays respect to the victims of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Nyamata Genocide Memorial (Sam Ngendahimana) Visitors observe a minute of silence to honour the victims (Sam Ngendahimana) The message he wrote after visiting Nyamata Genocide Memorial Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tour inside Nyamata Genocide Memorial Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus message after visiting Mayange Health Center Officials tour Mayange Health Center in Bugesera District yesterday Officials pose with Community health workers in a group photo after visiting Mayange Health Center Officials pose in a group photo after visiting the memorial Officials dance with Community health workers during the visit at Mayange Health Center Minister Gashumba addresses to the media after visiting Mayange Health Center Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus looks on Mituelle de Sante card during his visit to Mayange Health Center in Bugesera. Dr Tedros speaks to the media at Mayange Health Center editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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PHOTOS: WHO boss pledges support towards implementation of SDGs in Rwanda