The World Health Organization has recognized Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his leadership in global efforts to prevent and combat pandemics.
The award was presented on July 10, 2025, by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a high-level meeting in Geneva focused on the implementation of the new pandemic accord adopted earlier this year.
The global agreement, approved by more than 120 countries in May 2025, aims to strengthen international cooperation in preparing for and responding to future health emergencies.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, accepted the award on behalf of President Kagame.
“Dr. Tedros thanked President Kagame and 20 other leaders who played key roles in pushing for a global agreement to address pandemics,” Ambassador Bakuramutsa posted on X. “It is an honor to recognize Rwanda’s leadership in building inclusive health systems that leave no region—especially Africa—behind.”
The Rwandan embassy in Switzerland echoed the message, noting that Kagame was commended for championing a legal and collaborative global framework to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics.
Since the COVID-19 crisis, Rwanda has been vocal in urging global solidarity and joint preparedness for future outbreaks. Speaking at the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator in Paris in June 2024, Kagame called attention to vaccine inequity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives and exposed inequalities between developed and developing countries,” Kagame said. “No country was spared, but access to vaccines and medical tools was uneven and unjust.”
According to WHO, Africa needs approximately $1 billion worth of vaccines annually but currently produces only about 0.2% of that demand. Rwanda has continued advocating for greater regional vaccine manufacturing capacity and health system resilience.
