The Ministry of Health has revealed that vaccines against cervical cancer and diarrhoeal diseases will be introduced in 2015.

The State Minister for Primary Health, Sarah Opendi said the two vaccines will be included in the routine immunisation schedule.

These vaccines will supplement the newly introduced Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) which is being distributed in health centers all over the country.

Last year, Ministry of Health reports stated that at least 2,464 women are dying in Uganda from cervical cancer annually.

Over 3,577 more are diagnosed with the disease which has become Uganda’s leading killer cancer of women.

PACE recently donated 20 sets of equipment called the cryo therapy machines, to be used for early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous cells on the cervix.

Initially, the country had only 15 cryo therapy machines in 14 government referral hospitals and one health centre 4 in Nakasongola.
PACE is an acronym for the Programme for Accessible Health Communication and Education (PACE).

It should be noted that people most at risk of cervical cancer are those who start sexual activity early and those with multiple sexual partners. However, if detected early, it can be prevented.