Clinton commends Rwanda’s fight against Cervical Cancer

US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has hailed Rwanda’s strides in fighting HIV/AIDS and decreasing the rates of cervical cancer in the country, as well as its measures against malaria. Clinton joined several global health leaders to commend the country’s efforts during the recently concluded Summit to Save Lives convened in Washington D.C by George W. Bush Institute. In her remarks at the Summit, the Secretary of State commended the First Lady Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, observing that her presence was important as she has been an integral part in the fight against the disease, calling for more action from global leaders. “Our partners from both the public and the private sector will help us raise awareness about breast cancer and cervical cancer, will help make screening more available, HPV vaccines more available and affordable, and advocate for effective policies within the countries that we serve,” said Mrs. Clinton. “I am delighted that the First Lady of Rwanda is here, because Rwanda has been a great example of how to do this. And we appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with you and others,” Mrs. Clinton, said In the fight against malaria, Rwanda has made significant strides in reducing the disease, as seen with the 60% decline in malaria incidence between 2005 and 2010. In a panel discussion at the Summit titled “Leveraging Malaria Platforms to Improve Family Health,” Professor Awa Marie Coll-Seck, Executive Director of Roll Back Malaria Partnership, commended Rwanda for leading the way in eradicating this disease. During the two-day Summit, a new women’s health initiative was announced, known as Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon (PRRR). This initiative is an innovative partnership between the George W. Bush Institute, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon is aimed at leveraging public and private investment in global health to combat cervical and breast cancer in Sub–Saharan Africa and Latin America, most of which are connected to HIV/AIDS . This successful Summit was attended by Senior Leaders from President Obama administration who included Eric Goosby, Ambassador - at- Large and US AIDS Global Coordinator, PEPFAR, US Department of State; Gayle Smith Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director, National Security Council and also the Honourable Raj Sha, Administrator of USAID. Ends