By Asma’u Ahmad
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda on Monday said that it was necessary to address such issues as the lack of personnel and medical facilities in order to ensure universal health coverage in Africa.
In an address at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Kagame said, “According to the latest Global Monitoring Report, the greatest variation among regions is in service capacity and access, where Africa lags behind.
President Paul Kagame
“We simply lack the personnel and the facilities required for universal coverage. Addressing this gap has to be the main focus of African member states and our partners.”
Kagame who is the Chairperson of the African Union added that universal health coverage was a feasible goal for every country. “Achieving universal health coverage is feasible for countries at every income level. It is also the right thing to do. Strong political leadership will also be necessary at every stage,” the Rwandan president said.
The 71st session of the World Health Assembly, which is the World Health Organisation (WHO) decision-making institution, started earlier in the day in Geneva and would continue until Saturday.
