Queen of Denmark Praises Rwanda’s Health Sector Progress

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Nordic countries, Dr. Diane Gashumba, has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, the Queen of Denmark, praised Rwanda's progress in the health sector and expressed interest for strengthening ties between Denmark and Rwanda. Ambassador Dr. Gashumba shared the news through her X account, highlighting their conversation during the Annual Reception hosted by King Frederik André Henrik Christian of Denmark on January 6, 2025. “At the annual reception hosted by Their Majesties, I had the honor of meeting Queen Mary, a passionate advocate for global health, who praised R

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Nordic countries, Dr. Diane Gashumba, has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, the Queen of Denmark, praised Rwanda's progress in the health sector and expressed interest for strengthening ties between Denmark and Rwanda. Ambassador Dr. Gashumba shared the news through her X account, highlighting their conversation during the Annual Reception hosted by King Frederik André Henrik Christian of Denmark on January 6, 2025. “At the annual reception hosted by Their Majesties, I had the honor of meeting Queen Mary, a passionate advocate for global health, who praised Rwanda’s health progress,” Dr. Gashumba posted on X. Ambassador Gashumba revealed that the Queen expressed a strong interest in deepening the partnership between Rwanda and Denmark, particularly with the anticipated opening of the Danish Embassy in Kigali. Queen Mary Elizabeth also acknowledged the collaboration between the Maternity Foundation—an organization she supports, which advocates for maternal and child health worldwide—and the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Association (RMA). This partnership focuses on ensuring safe childbirth for mothers in Rwanda. “This conversation reaffirmed the power of partnerships to transform lives and build a healthier future for all. Together, we explored how strong partnerships can transform communities,” Dr. Gashumba remarked. Rwanda continues to make significant strides in advancing its health sector. In July 2023, the Government of Rwanda approved the 4×4 Reform, a visionary strategy aimed at quadrupling the number of healthcare workers in the country within four years. This initiative seeks to meet the WHO recommendation of at least four healthcare professionals per 1,000 population. Under the 4×4 Reform, the health sector is projected to expand its workforce, including residents, fellows, general practitioners, dental surgeons, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and allied health sciences personnel. By 2028, this ambitious plan aims to add 32,973 healthcare professionals to the sector. On August 9, 2024, Rwanda deployed a fleet of 114 brand-new basic and advanced life support ambulances across the country to enhance its emergency medical services. This follows the delivery and deployment of 80 additional ambulances in June 2024.