Make a difference for medical students
& healthcare in East-Central Africa
Video Appeal
Student Testimonials
Elevating Education
The Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains a legacy in East-Central Africa, having provided critical education for over a century. This remarkable effort is coordinated through the East-Central Africa Division of the Adventist Church, which actively educates more than 728,000 students across 11 countries. The network encompasses 2,365 primary schools, 1,038 secondary schools, 11 universities, 9 nursing schools, and now 1 medical school. The Adventist School of Medicine of East-Central Africa (ASOME) was established in 2019 in Kigali, Rwanda, on the campus of the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA).
With nearly 12% of Rwandans identifying as Adventists, ASOME holds special significance. The name ASOME, meaning 'to learn' or ‘to read’ in various African languages, embodies the Church's aim to promote health and positive change through its education programming.
Tens of thousands of individual church members across 12 countries in East-Central Africa generously contributed over $9 million towards the medical school's initial infrastructure.
The inauguration of ASOME's Adrian Paul Cooper Science Complex in 2019 by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, marked the formal establishment of the medical school.
Elevating Healthcare
ASOME is now part of an Adventist healthcare network in East-Central Africa, including 15 hospitals and 175 clinics and health centers. Welcoming students of diverse backgrounds, the school's connection with a broad network of hospitals and clinics provides practical training opportunities, boosting both the standard of medical education and the efficacy of healthcare provision across the region.
ASOME
ASOME has around 250 medical students, with a target enrollment of 500. Open to all, with a merit-based admissions policy, it offers a robust 6.5 year curriculum, followed by a year-long internship coordinated by the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council. Most students are from Rwanda, with increasing numbers from other countries throughout the region.
Rwanda's Commitment to Elevating Healthcare
The Rwandan health sector has made a strong effort to attract external financing through grants and loans and has developed a strong reputation as a good steward of those resources.
Rwanda allocates 7.8 percent of the national budget to healthcare, a figure that stands well above those of regional comparators, signifying the country's strong commitment to health.
In 2022/23, the Rwandan health sector's budget included RWF 181.9 billion from domestic sources, accounting for 51.1% of the total funding, with the rest covered by external support.
The 4x4 Reform
In November 2023, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education signed an MoU with 31 institutions, including 13 higher learning institutions, 14 teaching hospitals, and 4 professional councils, supporting the 4x4 Reform. The initiative aims to quadruple the healthcare workforce, graduating over 32,000 students by by 2028 to meet the WHO recommendation of 4.45 workers per 1,000 people. ASOME has been an important partner in this reform strategy.
Rwanda's Medical Education
University of Rwanda (UR) College of Medicine and Health Sciences: Established 1963 (as part of National University of Rwanda), merged in 2013
University of Global Health Equity (UGHE): Founded 2019
Adventist School of Medicine of East Central Africa (ASOME): Founded 2019
After meeting together, both His Excellency Paul Kagame and then President of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ted Wilson, the decision was made to establish ASOME in Rwanda. This was strategically informed by the country's supportive policy environment and significant government support. This support extends to incentives such as duty-free importation and scholarship programs for students, crucial factors in nurturing the growth of ASOME. Furthermore, the collaboration aligns with Rwanda's Vision 2050, which aims to position the country as a leading center for medical tourism and biomedical research in Africa.
What is IHCR? -- Consider supporting ASOME's clinical site, Kibagabaga Level 2 Teaching Hospital
While the Church itself addresses spiritual needs, its hospitals provide for physical and psychological needs. With this perspective, Integrative Healthcare Rwanda (IHCR) was born. It serves as the healthcare management partner for ASOME's clinical site, Kibagabaga Level 2 Teaching Hospital.