Vaccinating against cervical cancer - HPV vaccines in Rwanda

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in developing countries. Dubbed the 'silent killer', many women are unaware of the disease until too late.

In countries where cervical cancer screening and treatment services are limited, prevention is key. The immunisation of adolescent girls with three shots of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can prevent 70% of cervical cancer cases in adulthood.
Rwanda is the first country in Africa to introduce HPV vaccines nationwide. Every year, thousands of adolescent girls across Rwanda are vaccinated. In a well coordinated programme integrated into mother and child health week, health workers, teachers, schools and health facilities mobilise to ensure that every girl is reached.

The film covers the third round of HPV vaccines held in October 2012, and includes interviews with Dr Agnes Bingawaho, the Minister of Health, health workers, girls and a mother.

Director and producer: Ryan Youngblood, Producer: Diane Summers, Executive Producer: Dan Thomas
All copyright GAVI Alliance
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Find out more about GAVI support for the HPV vaccine - http://www.gavi.org/support/nvs/human...