Rwanda's healthcare system is one of the most advanced in Africa. Almost everyone in the small African state has access to medical care thanks to a network of almost 50 district hospitals and some 200 health centers.

And a general health insurance scheme means that most people can afford it, too. But some of the care provided is only possible together with international partners, for example, the nationwide program to vaccinate girls against the human papillomavirus. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer. After breast cancer it's the second most common cause of death from cancer among young women. The GAVI vaccine alliance, a public-private partnership, is making this possible. Members include governments of both industrialized and developing nations, WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With the number of deaths from chronic lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, rising in Rwanda, too, it is hoping that the alliance might be able to help here, too.