Society Profile: Dr. Diane Mutamba speaks about Adolescent Reproductive health

Dr. Diane Mutamba works with the Ministry of Health under the Maternal and Child Health unit. She is involved in matters regarding Adolescent reproductive health. She was born in Kigali City on April 8th, 1982, to Faustin Bizimungu and Appolonie. She attended APE Rugunga for her primary education before joining Lycee De Kigali. “I joined the National University of Rwanda (NUR) and pursed a Bachelors Degree in the faculty of Medicine,” Mutamba said. As a child her dream was to become a Biochemist but things changed with time. “I always loved mixing chemicals in the laboratory but I decide to become a Doctor because I hate to see people suffering,” Mutamba said. The joyous Doctor added that during her clinical duties before joining the Ministry, she did more of listening to her patients than talking. “I also decide to become doctor because I hate falling sick, I would do anything not to fall sick,” she stressed. With her role of dealing with Adolescent reproductive health issues at the Ministry of Health, Dr Mutamba interacts with the youth. “I have to talk to young people and explain to them on how they should keep healthy for a brighter future. Since its reproductive health, the language I use matters,” Dr. Mutamba adds. She further added that she always tries to find a way on how to tell the youth what is required however not forgetting the cultural traits. “I try to talk about issue in a polite way. In fact we are trying to adopt a way on how to talk to students by giving them the right information depending on their age,” she explained. Dr. Mutamba was also behind the two-day Cervical Cancer Vaccination programme. The vaccination is in an injection form and it’s given on the left-upper arm. It’s to be given in three phases, in-between the first dose and the second dose the vaccination should be within a period of two months while the last dose is administered after four months. “The programme was implemented to fight cervical cancer. It includes vaccination and the screening process. Girls in the age bracket of 12-15 (Primary six to senior three students) where vaccinated,” Dr. Mutamba disclosed.She added that girls in over 2,493 schools where vaccinated with the first dose. “The vaccination of cervical cancer virus known as Human papillomavirus (HPV) which is sexually transmitted is effective during adolescence. Before the programme we had to do baseline research on how we would go about with the vaccination. “Besides training personnel to talk to the student about the vaccination, we first approached several parties involved especially the parents. It was important because we had to asses the readiness of the population regarding the programme,” she said.The screening process is for women aged 35- 45 since it’s the age group that is most affected by Cervical Cancer. “If the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is detected in the early stages the possibility of curing is high hence the importance of the screening process. It will be carried out in most health centers,” she stressed. Besides her professionalism, Dr. Mutamba leads a social life although she is not yet married but in a relationship. She said that marriage is based on believing in one another with no room for secrets.“It’s important to be on the same page when you’re married but above all you have to be friends with your spouse,” she says. Dr. Florence Umurangwa a friend and colleague of Dr. Mutamba said that they met in 2002 while at the National University of Rwanda. “She is friendly and is always willing to offer help despite her tiring work. She is among the hardest working people that crossed my path. Its hard to find her weaknesses although at times she is short tempered,” Dr. Umurangwa stated. Patrick Mucyo, a brother to Dr. Mutamba said that besides her unconditional love, she mentors him. “She spoils me since I’m the last born but at the same time advises me on different issues about life. I admire the way she easily adopts to new ventures regardless of the challenges,” Mucyo explained. Her FavoritesDish: - Chips and Chicken Music: - Zouk Artist: - Ben Rutabana Colour: - Pink Sport: - Swimming Ends