We were delighted to recently host the COEHA Occupational Health and Safety Leadership Forum: Building Capacity for Occupational Health and Safety in Rwanda and East Africa right here in Kigali!

The forum brought together a rich, diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, trade union representatives, academics, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders, all united around the vital mission of advancing the health, safety, and wellbeing of working populations across the region.

 Key Discussion Takeaways:
• Workforce Development: Expanding professional education and specialized training for doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.

• Legislation & Governance: Strengthening OHS frameworks and legal protections for workers.
• Collaboration: Building robust partnerships between government, industry, academia, and healthcare providers to drive sustainable growth.

This forum is a core component of COEHA’s broader vision to build sustainable occupational health capacity across Africa through education, training, research, service development, advocacy, and regional collaboration. It was particularly encouraging to witness the growing enthusiasm for occupational health among the next generation of doctors, nurses, public health professionals, and policymakers.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this forum. COEHA looks forward to continuing our work together to strengthen occupational health and safety frameworks in Rwanda and across East Africa.