The Minister of Health has expressed concern over the escalating problem of over population that is out-pacing the economic growth.

 "There is a large population increase and it is a priority issue in the ministry,,” Dr Jean Damascène Ntawukuliryayo, told a news conference Thursday. He said parents should always endeavor to bear children they could sustain.

Government reports show that Rwanda’s population, now estimated at over 9 million may double by 2020 if its current annual growth rate remains at 3.2 percent.

However he said that with sensitization people have started understanding the situation, He added that health workers have also started working on family planning.

 The minister stressed that family planning should be jointly implemented by both men and women.

"Men also have a role in this. Whether it is using modern methods of family planning or natural methods, it should be consensual,” he said.  He cited examples as pills, coils and beads.

Modern methods of family planning for a temporary period apply to only women, while men only have method for permanent infertility.

He said that the ministry is committed to improving the health of Rwandan by strengthening the quality of service delivered and providing access to treatment through universal health insurance coverage, Mutuelles de Santé.
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