Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, yesterday, said that the government is ready and willing to continue extending more support to the health sector to ensure that the population live better lives.

The Premier made the announcement while, officially, opening the Women Cancer Summit that brought together health experts to discuss ways of combating cancer in the country.

"Rwanda is committed to extending first class care to all citizens, including girls and women…We have started a programme of providing free HPV vaccines to Rwandan adolescent girls and soon, mass screening of women aged between 35 and 45 years will begin,” Makuza said.
 
Over 100,000 girls across the country are expected to be vaccinated against HPV, which causes cervical cancer.

The Premier emphasised that it is through screening that early signs of cancer can be detected, and then treated before the disease degenerates into fatal stages.

He noted that the government would partner with other stakeholders, worldwide, to discuss and explore a clear roadmap to eradicate cancer in the country.

"We look forward to working with all our partners, here and elsewhere, and other global health initiatives towards more effective prevention, treatment and care,” the PM said

The high level meeting ends today.