MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (MCH) WEEK LUANCHED IN GICUMBI DISTRICT

On 26^th April, 2016, in Kageyo sector, Gicumbi district; an MCH week was launched by the Minister of Gender and Family promotion, Dr. Diane Gashumba. The MCH week was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with its stakeholders such as Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda and is scheduled to run from 26^th to 29^th of April of this year.

 Hon. Minister, Dr. Diane Gashumba (L), Hon. State Minister, Patrick Ndimubanzi (C) and US Amb. Erica J. Barks (R) at the MCH week launch in Gicumbi District.

During the launch, the Minister gave Vitamin A, to children aged between 6 to 59 months, while others aged between 1 to 15 years old received deworming tablets (albendazole and Mebendazole).

Hon. Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Diane Gashumba, preparing to vaccinate one of the children

The theme of the MCH week is “Let’s all care for the mother and child health by fighting Malaria, intestinal worms, stunting, teenage pregnancies and promotion of family planning”.

In her speech, the Minister Dr. Diane Gashumba, told residents of Gicumbi district and the public attending the event “that government is committed to combating all health related problems as well as family promotion issues, which are under her docket”.

The Honorable Minister also emphasized the need for coordinated efforts of residents, the community health workers and other stakeholders to scale up efforts to combating diseases that bar the attainment of healthier lives or else the development of the country and its citizens in general.

Other dignitaries that appreciated the government of Rwanda’s efforts and re-echoed the greater need for collaboration and continuous interventions in their speeches include the US Ambassador, Erica J. Barks-Ruggles, One UN representative, the Mayor of Gicumbi district. The event further received a big turn up of Gicumbi residents with thousands of children waiting to receive Vitamin A, and deworming tablets.

Residents of Kageyo Sector in the Gicumbi District at the MCH week launch.

Like other stakeholders, Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda contributed to the MCH week and was represented by Dr. Matilda Nsigaye (Programs Director), Butera John R. Mugabe (Communications Manager), and Fideli Niyonsaba. The parties facilitated the smooth organization of the launch and distributed promotional materials (Umbrellas) with malaria prevention messages in line with the theme.