The four day conference was organized by Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students Association and University of Rwanda

Speaking in the conference, the Minister of Education, Dr. PapiasMusafiriMalimba said that the government of Rwanda is committed to support young people’s initiatives such as the conference because they believe that young people play a vital role in developing communities and nations in all sectors.

“Healthcare students make a great contribution to communities. Here in Rwanda; generations of students have empowered lots of people by training them in life skills, providing cows and equipping them with employment” he said

He said that students support people living with HIV and raise awareness about it.

Rwanda has made a significant stride in achieving the millennium development goals and has been ranked among best countries in achieving health related goals such as reducing maternal and child mortality, eradicating HIV/AIDS and Malaria among others.We are still committed to implement and achieve sustainable development goals in general, and goal number three in particular to ensure health lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” he said.

Musafiri said that it is very promising that healthcare students and professionals come together to discuss ways in a way multi-disciplinary collaboration can achieve the agenda 2013.

He said the conference is a good platform to learn from each other and build networks to improve healthcare and solve health problems in communities and countries through sharing knowledge and partnerships.

“The structure of this conference combined with the availability of the high caliber speakers from the wide range of organizations will be a great opportunity to inspire students who are eventually the next generation of healthcare professionals and leaders in global health,” he said

Musafiri urged the students, academic staff, researcher and healthcare professionals from Rwanda and the region to maximize all potentials and opportunities from the conference.

He said the linkages and complementarity of both the education systems and health systems through the application of patience centered care approaches will be one of the contributive importance for Rwanda and other countries to achieve the sustainable development goals

JanvierKabogo, a healthcare student in University of Rwanda said that they expect to exchange ideas between healthcare students and professionals and come up with solutions that will positively impact communities.

Education Minister Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba speaks in the conference

Participants in the conference