Health and Well-being Week
Rwanda's Health City: Health Solutions in Africa
Republic of Rwanda
This session will consist of a moderated panel session on the biggest health challenges faced by the World and Africa's in particular, and how countries are navigating these issues. For example, we have countries on the continent like Rwanda, that are investing in infrastructure and equipment (Rwanda's health city will be discussed). The panel will be followed by a Q&A session and a small tea break afterward.
Discussion
- research #health facilities #solutions to health-related issues in Africa
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.06.26[Thu]
18:00 ～ 20:30
(Venue Open 17:30)
-
- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
This session will be live for those who can't present in Japan, and the recordings will be shared on different platforms. The purpose of the session is to highlight health advancements on the continent that are not necessarily talked about in the mainstream media, share our aspirations, and discuss partnership opportunities.
Reports
【Reflection】
*A Health Sector Powered by the People: Rwanda’s Vision for Transformative Healthcare*
At the heart of Rwanda’s healthcare transformation lies a bold and people-centered vision: to build a resilient, innovative, and inclusive health system powered by talent, partnerships, and cutting-edge infrastructure. During a special evening session at the Osaka International Expo’s Health and Wellbeing Theme Week, the Rwanda Pavilion welcomed global partners, especially from Japan to explore opportunities for collaboration in realizing this ambitious vision.
The event, which highlighted the central role of people in shaping health outcomes, served as both a learning opportunity and a call to action. Among the guests of honor were representatives from the Japanese medical community, including stakeholders from the Kansai Medical University(KMC), who joined Rwandan counterparts to exchange insights and explore areas for joint investment and innovation.
Over the past two decades, Rwanda has achieved remarkable progress in primary healthcare, dramatically improving access and outcomes for its population. Building on this foundation, the country is now entering a new phase of health system development one that emphasizes specialization, innovation, and global engagement.
Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, representing the Rwanda Ministry of health underscored this transition by introducing two transformative initiatives:
1. The 4x4 Health Workforce Reform – This bold strategy aims to quadruple Rwanda’s skilled health workforce within just four years, addressing critical gaps in specialized services and expanding local capacity to deliver quality care. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to investing in people, the most essential asset in any healthcare system.
2. Kigali Health City – Envisioned as a flagship project, Kigali Health City will serve as a regional hub for advanced clinical care, medical education, research, and innovation. It is designed not only to serve the health needs of Rwanda but to position the country as a leader in healthcare delivery across the region and the African continent.
These projects are not isolated efforts. Together, they represent a cohesive strategy for creating a future-facing health system, one that is responsive, sustainable, and globally connected. Rwanda is actively seeking international collaborations to bring these initiatives to life, including technical partnerships, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
The Rwanda delegation expressed deep appreciation to the Osaka International Expo for providing a platform to share their health sector vision and engage with like-minded global peers. The evening session was more than a presentation, it was a dialogue, a moment to learn from one another and explore how different nations can come together to address global health challenges through shared investment, innovation, and human capital development.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
As Rwanda continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in African healthcare, it remains open and eager to collaborate with institutions like Kansai Medical University and others around the world. Together, through mutual learning and meaningful partnerships, the goal of a healthier, more equitable future can be realized.
Cast
Moderator
Sanae Endo
HR Executive Consultant and Coach, Expert in Engagement
Sanae Endo is a seasoned HR executive and a recognized leader in promoting wellness, women’s empowerment, and diversity & inclusion (D&I) across multiple industries. With a strong belief in the vital connection between employee well-being and organizational performance, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives that foster both psychological safety and physical health in the workplace.
Over the course of her career, she has designed and implemented pioneering programs such as Women in Leadership (WIL) and Parents@GAP, resulting in more than 40% representation of women in leadership roles. These efforts have significantly shifted corporate culture toward greater inclusivity, balance, and health consciousness.
As Chair of the D&I Governance Committee, Ms. Endo established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and built inclusive frameworks to support diverse talent, ensuring that all employees feel safe, respected, and empowered. She has also led internal wellness strategies that incorporate mental health support, flexible work policies, and holistic well-being as core drivers of organizational success.
As the first female executive officer in her organization, has been providing a pivotal role in promoting family support programs, People with Disability Support and inclusive policy reforms.
Ms. Endo holds certifications in Six Sigma, Hogan Assessment, professional coaching, and vocational counseling for persons with disabilities. She serves as a board member of the Kids & Family Association to promote wheelchair basketball, and has contributed as an external advisor to the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
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Speakers
Takayuki Okada, MD, PhD
Associate Professor and Head, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Kansai Medical University Medical Center, Japan
Dr. Takayuki Okada is a cardiovascular surgeon actively engaged in clinical practice, education, and research both in Japan and internationally.
After graduating from Kansai Medical University, he has developed deep expertise in valvular heart surgery, aortic surgery, and coronary artery surgery. His research interests include vascular endothelial regeneration in coronary artery bypass grafting, advancement of surgical techniques in aortic surgery, and the management of heritable cardiovascular diseases, particularly Marfan syndrome.
Dr. Okada has gained valuable international experience through fellowships at the National Heart Institute (IJN), Malaysia, and the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heidelberg University, Germany, fostering strong ties in medical technology exchange across Asia and Europe.
He is also dedicated to medical education, mentoring young physicians and medical students both in Japan and internationally. Dr. Okada actively promotes medical education exchange and global human resource development, with a focus on collaborations with countries in Asia and Africa.
Since April 2025, he serves as Associate Professor and Head of Cardiovascular Surgery at Kansai Medical University Medical Center. He continues to lead in clinical excellence while expanding his contributions to international medical cooperation and educational partnerships.
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Silas Habimana
Multidisciplinary scientist
Silas Habimana is a multidisciplinary scientist with a strong foundation in molecular biotechnology and chemical engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2013 and went on to complete a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at Kyushu University, Japan, in 2023. Silas has been recognized for his academic excellence the Rwanda Presidential Scholarship and multiple MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships from the Government of Japan. He received the Excellent Research Presentation Award from the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan, in 2023, and served as a keynote speaker at Droplet2024 hosted by On-chip Biotechnologies.
Throughout his career, Silas has gained international experience across research and laboratory environments in the United States, Rwanda, and Japan. He began his professional journey as a Laboratory Technician in molecular diagnostics at BioMedNanoTech Inc. in Arkansas, followed by roles in molecular hematology at INES-Ruhengeri and DNA profiling for human identification at Scientific Innovations Ltd. in Rwanda. His cross-sectoral experience and deep technical expertise position him at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, where he continues to explore impactful solutions for health, science, and society.
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Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana
- Head of Health Workforce Development at the Ministry of Health Rwanda
Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana is a Senior Consultant Physician and Head of Health Workforce Development at the Ministry of Health Rwanda, where he leads the implementation of the 4x4 Health Workforce Reform, a national initiative to quadruple the health workforce by 2028. He holds an MBBS (Hons.), an MMED in Internal Medicine, and an MSc in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity, bringing extensive expertise in clinical care, public health leadership, and medical education.
Previously, Dr. Nkeshimana served as Head of Emergency Medicine at one of Rwanda’s largest public and academic hospitals and is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Rwanda. He played a key role in the clinical management of the COVID-19 pandemic and other regional epidemics. He also co-leads several globally funded research initiatives, including NIH-funded projects, focused on emergency care and health systems strengthening. His work champions high-impact, cost-effective innovations grounded in the realities of frontline health systems, with a global health perspective.
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Manuel Martín Lozano
Advisor working with the Rwanda Development Board
Manuel Martín Lozano is an advisor working with the Rwanda Development Board, where he focuses on private sector development, particularly in the pharmaceutical and medical tourism industries. Before his work in Rwanda, Manuel advised governments in the Middle East on the design of national economic strategies and initiatives to promote private sector growth. He also has experience working with private equity firms and financial institutions. Manuel holds degrees in Economics and Law from the University of Navarra.
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Health and Well-being Week
Rwanda's Health City: Health Solutions in Africa
This session will consist of a moderated panel session on the biggest health challenges faced by the World and Africa's in particular, and how countries are navigating these issues. For example, we have countries on the continent like Rwanda, that are investing in infrastructure and equipment (Rwanda's health city will be discussed). The panel will be followed by a Q&A session and a small tea break afterward.
-
2025.06.26[Thu]
18:00～20:30
(Venue Open 17:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
Health and Well-being Week
