NYAGATARE-The Ministry of Health on Tuesday launched ‘Mother and Child Health’ Week meant to foster more attention on post natal care in Nyagatare. During the event public officials distributed mosquito nets in Katabagemu sector, Nyagatare District.

The week long program was integrated with the World Malaria Day and second phase of the vaccination campaign against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Ministry of Health officials together with other development partners distributed mosquito nets to students at Karangazi Secondary School, before heading to Nyakigando Health Centre for the official launch of the event.

At the health centre, pregnant mothers were also given mosquito nets while a vaccine against HPV was administered to female pupils as part of the campaign to fight cervical cancer.

The vaccine, known as Gardasil is expected to reduce the number of women dying of cancer of the cervix.

The vaccine will be administered to girls in primary six at their respective schools, and those out of school will get it from nearby health centres.

Speaking at the function, the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Pierre Clever Kayumba, said that Rwanda is the first African country to begin the campaign and a tremendous improvement is expected in the women’s health in the country.

"Rwanda is always committed to protect her citizens. This vaccine given to students is a milestone to their brighter future health,” he said.

"This is a good step the country has taken in protecting future generation.”

On malaria, Kayumba said that Rwanda has done a lot to fight the disease and called for more preventive efforts.

"It is impressive that we have reached where very few malaria patients are admitted at different hospitals…but this should not let Rwandans slackeen. They should always sleep under mosquito nets as part of prevention against malaria,” he said.

Kayumba challenged Nyagatare residents to be exemplary in implementing various activities that will be carried out during the week.

The World Health Organisation Country Director, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, on behalf of the UN  hailed the country’s continuous initiatives in providing health facilities to its citizens.

"Rwanda is an example to other countries on the continent in maintaining citizens’ good health, the UN agencies are committed to continuously supporting Rwanda in all health-related programm,” he said.  

Ends