On the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda chaired a high-level meeting on Domestic Health Financing on Friday, January 14.
As the AU’s Champion on Domestic Health Financing, Kagame emphasized the importance of Africa taking charge of its own health financing, moving beyond reliance on external grants.
The meeting, organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and AUDA-NEPAD, focused on the need for African nations to contribute more from their own resources and ensure value for money in health spending.
Kagame urged leaders to make a strong case for securing health-related grant funding, stressing that the continent must take ownership of its health challenges.
President Kagame asked African leaders to take control of health financing at AU Summit in Addis Ababa/ Ethiopia
“We must not be daunted by this,” President Kagame remarked. “The work to build our continent, including our health, cannot be outsourced to anyone else.” He framed the current challenges as an opportunity for Africa to shift the paradigm and foster sustainable progress across the continent by exploring alternative solutions to its health needs.
In addition to the health financing discussions, President Kagame also met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The two leaders discussed the productive partnership between Rwanda and the UN, as well as the ongoing security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for a political solution that holds all parties accountable and addresses Rwanda’s security concerns.
Earlier Saturday, President Kagame attended the official opening of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, where leaders from across the continent gathered to address pressing continental issues.