Minister of State for Health Dr. Yvan Butera joined African ministers of health and other leaders in Accra for the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health.

The summit was held on July 21 and 22 and brought together heads of state and government, health ministers, policymakers and development partners. The extraordinary session was hosted by Ghana and chaired by Burundi as Chair of the African Union, as part of efforts to speed up implementation of the continent’s health priorities under the AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond. It was held under the theme “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage.” 

At the ministerial roundtable, Minister Butera shared Rwanda’s experience in health financing. He spoke about the country’s community-based health insurance scheme and the ongoing reforms to broaden equitable access to quality healthcare.

He also stressed the importance of local manufacturing, regulatory harmonization, and improved access to medicines, vaccines and diagnostics.

Minister Butera noted that investment in health is both a medical necessity and an economic development opportunity for Africa. The summit sought to increase sustainable domestic financing and promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing, including through a fully costed AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond.