Kigali - The newly appointed Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Republic of Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, presented copies of his credential letters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta.

The Minister accepted the copies of credential letters and welcomed Dr. Chirombo to Rwanda. Hon. Biruta commended the continued collaboration between WHO and the Government of Rwanda then expressed the wish to see an even stronger collaboration.

In his remarks, the WHO Representative  Dr. Chirombo thanked the Minister and pledged WHO’s full support to the Government of Rwanda Health Sector Response towards Universal Health Coverage.

"As a secretariat to the Ministry of Health, it is our mandate to accompany the Government in its journey towards achieving a stronger health care system which can meet the growing demand for quality health care and the changing health needs of the population." Said Dr. Chirombo

Dr. Brian Chirombo's appointment as WR in Rwanda was announced through Rwanda Cabinet decisions on 30th July 2021.  Since his arrival from South Africa where he was Communicable Disease and Health Emergencies Cluster Coordinator, Dr. Chirombo paid courtesy visits to different key officials in Rwanda's Health system including the minister of Health Dr. Daniel Ngamije, and the General Director of the Rwanda Biomedical Center Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana. The visits focused on the reforms  WHO Rwanda has undertaken to better support the country in achieving Universal Health Coverage, outbreak management, and other priority areas.

With his appointment, Dr. CHirombo inherits a team of over 50 international and national staff well rooted within the country's health system. To this team, WR brings more than 30 years of Public Health leadership experience from Government, Internal NGOs, and International Organizations, 20 years of them with WHO at country, regional, and HQ levels.

Dr. Chirombo holds a Medical Degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Postgraduate Masters degree in Public Health from Emory University in Atlanta Georgia, USA. He has previous experience as Head of WHO Office having acted as WHO Representative in South Africa and Eswatini.

The presentation was also attended by Amb. Guilluame Kavaruganda, Director General Europe, America and International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.