KIGALI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's cervical cancer cases decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year, an official at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) said Wednesday.
Theoneste Maniragaba, the director of the cancer program at RBC, told Rwanda Television, the national broadcaster, in a news program that cervical cancers reduced to 447 in 2023 from 600 recorded in 2022.
"Every year, we conduct mass vaccination for girls aged 12 and 13 in all primary schools, achieving an impressive vaccination level of 93 percent. Additionally, we provide training to health facilities, particularly health centers and district hospitals, on cervical cancer screening," he said.
Maniragaba attributed the decline to vaccination programs conducted in schools and training extended to health workers and medical professionals in screening and treating precancerous conditions.
He highlighted various programs implemented to monitor the disease's spread, and one key initiative involves capacity building in screening services across all districts of the country. ■
