Diane Gashumba, Ambassador of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries, shared on LinkedIn:
“What an inspiring and energising evening at the Rwandan Residence in Stockholm!
With the unwavering support of Sweden’s Global Health Ambassador, Karin Tegmark Wisell, the valuable connection with Karolinska Institutet through Professor Anna Mia Ekström, and the tireless advocacy for Africa by Ophelia Malala Haanyama, the spirit of partnership and shared ambition was unmistakable.
The Group of Women Ambassadors brought together an exceptional and diverse group of leaders and experts to explore a timely question:
– What will the Sweden – Africa partnership look like over the coming decade, and how can we make it truly transformative?
Representatives and voices from Karolinska Institutet, Aurevia Clinical Research Services – CRO (formerly Scandinavian CRO), Operation Smile Sweden, Elekta Foundation, Björn Gillsäter and Tormod Simensen from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Alfa Laval, Public Health Agency of Sweden and other organisations contributed valuable perspectives, experience and ideas.
Despite our different backgrounds and areas of expertise, we shared one conviction: Africa and the Nordic countries can achieve meaningful, sustainable progress in global health when partnerships are intentional, built on mutual trust, and grounded in shared priorities, complementary strengths and long-term commitment.
There is much to learn from successful collaborative models involving Gavi, The Global Fund, Gates Foundation, Norrsken East Africa and Operation Smile’s meaningful
collaboration with Africa to improve lives across the continent. These experiences demonstrate what becomes possible when vision, expertise, resources and commitment come together around a common purpose.
Africa is a continent of immense opportunity, innovation, talent and potential. Our partnerships must reflect this reality, embracing African leadership, local expertise, mutual learning and solutions that deliver lasting impact.
Ultimately, this is about more than global health. It is about improving the lives of women, strengthening communities, advancing health equity and building a healthier, more equitable future for society.
Next stop: Kigali! The African Nordic Health Summit
Taking place in Rwanda on 9-10 February 2027, presents an important opportunity to turn this shared ambition into concrete initiatives, forge meaningful alliances and unlock new opportunities for collaboration between Africa and the Nordic countries.The ambition is high. The opportunities are enormous. And the time to move from dialogue to action is now. One vision. Diverse voices. Shared responsibility. Powerful partnerships. A healthier future for all.”
Learn more and register for the African Nordic Health Summit.
You may also be interested in: Kigali Marks Car Free Day With a Call to Overcome Alcohol Addiction – Rwanda Biomedical Centre
