Dr John Rwegasha, MMed Class of 2008, has been appointed as the Director of Medical Services at the African Union Commission (AUC). With over two decades of experience in medical leadership and health policy, and a proven track record of improving healthcare systems in Tanzania, Dr Rwegasha's appointment reflects his dedication and the growing recognition of the vital role medical professionals play in shaping health policy and services within Africa's broader political landscape.
Born in 1970 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Dr Rwegasha's upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of service and community care. As he reflected on his early influences, Dr Rwegasha shared, “My childhood was moulded by the values of service and helping others. It is this foundation that inspired my path into the medical field, where I could directly impact people’s lives and contribute to the welfare of my community.”
Dr Rwegasha graduated from Makerere University with a medical degree in 1998. He then joined AKU in 2005 to pursue a Master of Medicine in Family Medicine and furthered his education with a Master of Science in Leadership and Management and an Advanced Fellowship in Global Health. Dr Rwegasha is also a faculty member of the Royal College of Physicians and a fellow in Gastroenterology at the University of Witwatersrand. Dr Rwegasha's professional journey began in 2011, with a commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery. He established the first functional Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit at Muhimbili National Hospital, followed by the National Gastroenterology Training Centre. “I was heading seven major departments, and about fifty units,” he shared.
Simultaneously, he served as a WHO Consultant in Viral Hepatitis, contributing to national health policies across Africa. As Head of the Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine at Muhimbili National Hospital, he established a leading-edge training centre for advanced endoscopic procedures. Under his stewardship, the hospital experienced a marked improvement in service delivery, resulting in lower mortality rates and enhanced patient satisfaction. “Throughout my career, I've always believed that the key to improving health systems lies in both leadership and the integration of evidence-based practices. When these elements come together, we can achieve significant results,” Dr Rwegasha says. “The improvements we made in patient care and service delivery at Muhimbili were a direct result of these principles.”
As Director of Medical Services at the AUC, Dr Rwegasha will play a crucial role in shaping the continent's health policies. He will leverage his expertise to align healthcare systems with Africa's development goals, prioritizing collaboration and innovation to address emerging health challenges.
“Dr Rwegasha’s leadership is a true example of the impact one person can have on an entire healthcare system,” noted Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU. “His leadership at Muhimbili National Hospital was impressive, and I am confident that his vision and passion will drive even greater progress in his new role at the African Union. His success is a source of inspiration for our entire community. It truly reflects the values of excellence, service, and leadership that lie at the heart of our mission.”
In the words of those who have worked alongside him, Dr Rwegasha's leadership is defined by a clear vision, unwavering integrity, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. With his expertise now guiding the AUC's medical services, the future of African healthcare looks brighter than ever.
