Download file, English (1 MB PDF) - RHO

National Strategic Plan for Prevention, Control, and Management of
Cervical Lesions and Cancer in Rwanda
Dr. Eugene Ngoga
Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali and
Vice-Chair, Rwanda Medical Council
According to Dr. Eugene Ngoga, there are currently no centrally organized cervical cancer prevention
activities in Rwanda. However, there is now a proposed five-year strategic plan for cervical cancer
prevention, control, and management. The two key sections of the plan are HPV vaccination and a
screening program. Some of the specific objectives of the proposed plan are the following:
• Raise awareness about and advocate for cervical cancer prevention and treatment.
• Reduce the incidence and prevalence of HPV infection through HPV vaccination of girls in grades
P6 through P9.
• Increase access to cervical precancer screening and treatment services by integrating into the
routine package of clinical services for women with high risk of cervical cancer (aged 35 years
and older), with a goal of two screenings per lifetime.
The proposed national vaccination program with donated
vaccine would first target girls in several school grades in
order to benefit as many as possible, but eventually the
program would be only for girls in grade P6. For screening
of adult women, the proposed goal is to screen 80 percent
of women aged 35 years in year 1, and 80 percent of
women aged 35 to 45 years in subsequent years.
At the national level, a media
campaign should be launched to
raise awareness about HPV and
cervical cancer issues.
In order that the proposed programs be successful, strong advocacy and communication strategies will
be necessary. Local authorities and community members must be equipped with information about
cervical cancer prevention by vaccination of girls and screening of women. Clear communication should
be planned for the targeted girls, parents, older family members, and community leaders. At the
community level, educational materials and leaflets must be distributed within schools and areas
relevant to the target populations. At least one community education session will be held for the sector
surrounding each health center.
At the national level, a media campaign should be launched to raise awareness about HPV and cervical
cancer issues, and to encourage immunization and screening where appropriate. An official HPV vaccine
launching ceremony should be planned, including coverage by the international press.
Report of an African Regional Meeting on Cervical Cancer: September 2010 35