From A Master Student to Global Health Leader: My Epic Quest at UGHE in Advancing Global Health Delivery Focusing on Gender and Reproductive Health

Embarking on the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) program at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) marked a significant milestone in my professional and personal journey. The decision to pursue this program was fuelled by a deep commitment to addressing complex global health issues, particularly within the realms of gender and reproductive health. As I reflect on my experiences at UGHE, it is clear that this journey has not only met but exceeded my expectations, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of global health challenges and equipping me with the skills needed to make a meaningful impact.

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A Vision Realized

When I first joined UGHE, my vision was to gain a thorough understanding of global health issues with a particular focus on gender and sexual and reproductive health. I sought to develop the expertise necessary to address disparities influenced by social, cultural, economic, and political factors. The MGHD program at UGHE offered a unique and rigorous curriculum that aligned perfectly with my goals. Through a combination of advanced coursework, hands-on experiences, and engagement with global health experts, I gained a robust foundation in gender-sensitive healthcare.

The curriculum was designed to provide not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. I learned to design, implement, and assess gender-sensitive healthcare programs, an essential capability for addressing the complex challenges faced in global health. The program emphasized both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, allowing me to enhance my proficiency in gender and reproductive health research. This comprehensive approach ensured that I could contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this critical field.

Leadership and Advocacy

My time at UGHE was marked by significant opportunities for leadership and advocacy. I was honored to be elected as the Cohort Representative for the MGHD Class of 2024, the GSRH Class Representative, and the President of the Center for Gender Equity’s GSRH Club. These roles provided me with a platform to lead initiatives, advocate for health equity, and drive positive change within the UGHE community.

As a Cohort Representative, I served as a liaison between my classmates and the administration. This role involved addressing concerns, facilitating communication, and ensuring that the needs and perspectives of the cohort were effectively represented. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that honed my leadership and communication skills.

In my capacity as the GSRH Class Representative, I focused on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for students. I worked to ensure that our class had access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in our studies and professional development. This role allowed me to champion the importance of gender and reproductive health issues and advocate for their integration into our academic and extracurricular activities.

Serving as the President of the Center for Gender Equity’s GSRH Club was particularly fulfilling. I led efforts to raise awareness about gender and sexual and reproductive health issues, organized events, and facilitated discussions on these critical topics. My leadership in this role was instrumental in promoting a culture of understanding and advocacy within the UGHE community.

I was also appointed as an MGHD Representative in the Academic Commission, which added a new dimension to my leadership experience. This position allowed me to represent the interests and concerns of my peers, ensuring that our academic experiences were aligned with our professional goals and the evolving needs of the global health field.

Honing Emceeing Skills

In addition to my leadership roles, I had the opportunity to develop and refine my emceeing skills. I served as the MC for several high-profile events, including The UGHE Heroes Day talk with Prof. Rwamasirabo, UGHE Global Health Research Day, the International Women’s Day celebration at UGHE, the cultural day to celebrate our diversity, and the MGHD Gala Dinner. These experiences were invaluable in enhancing my public speaking and event management abilities.

Being the MC for these events allowed me to engage with diverse audiences, facilitate important discussions, and celebrate the achievements of our community. It was an honor to play a role in these significant occasions, and the skills I developed in this capacity will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavors.

Recognition and Networking

The recognition I received during my time at UGHE was a testament to the collective efforts of our cohort and the support of the UGHE community. I was awarded a certificate for organizing UGHE Global Health Research Day, an acknowledgment of my contributions to advancing global health research and fostering a collaborative environment.

Additionally, my role as GSRH Class Representative was recognized for its impact and leadership. These accolades were not only personally meaningful but also reflected the commitment of our cohort to driving positive change in global health.

One of the most valuable aspects of my time at UGHE was the opportunity to build a network with global health leaders from 16 countries, as well as UGHE staff and faculty. This network has been instrumental in expanding my understanding of global health issues and forging connections that will support my future professional endeavors.

A Mission for a Healthier World

As I look forward, my mission is clear: to contribute to creating a society where every individual can lead a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of socioeconomic, cultural, gender, sexual, or religious factors. My experiences at UGHE have equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to advance global health and advocate for equitable healthcare solutions.

UGHE's contribution to the global health and healthcare landscape is significant. By producing highly trained global health professionals, UGHE is playing a crucial role in addressing pressing public health issues. This year, 54 global health professionals were equipped with high-quality education and skills to tackle challenges such as inadequate access to healthcare, gender inequities, and the impacts of socioeconomic disparities.

Despite these efforts, there remains a critical shortage of health professionals globally, locally, and in Rwanda. Continued support from donors and partners is essential to addressing these gaps. Investing in the education and training of more global health professionals will enable us to tackle these pressing issues effectively and make substantial progress toward equitable and quality healthcare for all.

A Call to Action

I urge donors and supporters to continue investing in initiatives like UGHE that are dedicated to advancing global health education. Your support is vital in ensuring that more professionals are equipped to address the pressing health challenges we face. By partnering with UGHE, you contribute to a mission that aims to improve global health outcomes and promote health equity.

Gratitude and Future Endeavors

I extend my heartfelt thanks to UGHE’s leadership for their unwavering commitment to advancing global health education. Your vision and dedication have created an environment where students like me can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

To my fellow alumni, I encourage you to continue leveraging the skills and knowledge gained at UGHE to drive positive change in your respective fields. Together, through education, collaboration, and dedication, we can create a healthier and more equitable world for all.

As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our mission to improve global health delivery and advocate for a world where everyone has access to the comprehensive, quality healthcare they deserve. The journey at UGHE has been transformative, and I am excited to continue contributing to this important cause with the knowledge and experiences gained from this remarkable program.