A total of 9531 young girls between 12 and 14 years of age in Bugesera district are expected to receive vaccination against cervical cancer that is a threat to many women in the world.
The vaccination started during a Mother and Child Health week program that started on March 11, 2014.
Young girls between 12 and 14 years were vaccinated against cervical cancer
During the official opening of this program in Kagasa School in Mwogo sector, Francois Karambizi, in charge of Health in Bugesera district called upon parents to ensure their children get this vaccination.
“Cervical cancer affects people when they are still young and shows its symptoms in later stage, all young girls should be vaccinated.” He said
During the Mother and Child Health weekly program, Vitamin ‘A’ pills and de-warming tablets are being given to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers who gave birth in about 6 weeks.
Sensitization programs on the benefits of the antenatal care, nutrition of expectant mothers and children as well as family planning are also being provided.
Children receiving Vitamin ‘A’ pills
Alexandre Habimana whose wife was diagnosed with cervical cancer 3 years ago says parents should make sure their children are vaccinated
“It is a very devastating and hurting disease to the patient and the relatives, all young girls should be vaccinated against it, no one should suffer such kind of anguish like my wife goes through” he remarked.
This program targets to give vitamin ‘A’ to 56,416 children, nursing and expectant mothers; 54,503Children and mothers will be given Mebendazole tablets for worms, 11,761 pregnant women will be given pills for iron while 8,762 will be vaccinated against rubella and measles.