University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a private, not-for-profit health sciences institution located in Butaro, Rwanda. Established in 2015 as an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), UGHE is dedicated to transforming global health education and delivery by training a new generation of healthcare leaders committed to equity and social justice.

🌍 Mission and Vision

UGHE’s mission is to radically change the way healthcare is delivered around the world by creating leaders equipped to sustain effective and equitable health systems. The university emphasizes the integration of human rights and social justice into rigorous, community-based medical education.

🎓 Academic Programs

UGHE offers a range of academic programs designed to address the complexities of global health:

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) / Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD): A six-and-a-half-year dual-degree program combining clinical training with global health leadership.

• Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD): A one-year program focusing on health systems strengthening and implementation science.

• Executive Education: Short-term certificate courses aimed at developing professionals in healthcare delivery systems.

• PhD in Medical Sciences and Health Equity: Advanced research degrees with tracks in Cancer Biology, Neurosciences, Infectious Diseases, and Cardiovascular Medicine.

🏫 Campus and Facilities

UGHE’s main campus is situated in the rural district of Butaro, Northern Rwanda, overlooking Mount Muhabura. The campus includes classrooms, teaching laboratories, a clinical simulation center, and residential facilities. A second campus is planned in Kigali’s Masaka Sector to expand urban-based training opportunities.

👥 Leadership and Governance

• Chancellor: Dr. Jim Yong Kim, co-founder of PIH and former President of the World Bank.

• Vice Chancellor: Professor Philip Cotton, a British physician and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.

• Founding Vice Chancellor: Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, former Rwandan Minister of Health, who served from 2017 to 2022.

🤝 Partnerships and Collaborations

UGHE collaborates with several global institutions, including:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Cummings Foundation

• Harvard Medical School

• Tufts University

• Government of Rwanda

These partnerships support UGHE’s mission through funding, curriculum development, and research collaborations.

🏆 Rankings and Recognition

In the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2024, UGHE was ranked 4th in the region, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and impact in global health education.

📍 Rwanda Office (Main Campus)

• Address: Kigali Heights, Plot 772, KG 7 Avenue, 5th Floor, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda

• Phone: +250 786 405 072

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Website: ughe.org