By Denise Mupfasoni, MD
National Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program
The Access Project
On October 9th, the first lady of the Republic of Rwanda, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, launched the Integrated Measles Campaign which included a mass drug administration against intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in Gashora, Bugesera District.
During the campaign, an estimated four million children of 1-16 years were dewormed nationwide using mebendazole or albendazole tablets. In addition, school aged-children of 5-16 years in schistosomiasis endemic districts of Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Gakenke, Gicumbi, Nyagatare and Ngoma also received praziquantel tablets.
Rwandan schoolchildren excited to receive their deworming medication. Photo courtesy of The Access Project
In her remarks during the launching ceremony, Mrs. Kagame applauded the important contribution of the Ministry of Health’s partners including Columbia University’s NTD Access Project, which provides ongoing support to Rwanda’s Ministry of Health in its efforts to build a foundation for sustainable NTD control.
“People are very excited to receive medicine for worms and schistosomiasis because they all now understand the importance of de-worming their children” said Cyprien Ntawuguranimana, deputy head of Gashora Health Center. “We are not only administrating drugs but we are also educating them to practice preventive measures against NTDs since we all know that prevention is better than cure,” he added.
The Global Network’s Managing Director, Kari Stoever, participated in the campaign with a delegation from Legatum and also applauded the cost- effective nature of the program. “Rwanda’s mass drug administration is a model for a country’s treatment efforts,” she said.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health organized the campaign in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, The Access Project, USAID, the Global Fund, the World Food Program, PSI and the Rwandan Red Cross.