Rwanda launches a cervical cancer plan

WHO recognized Guinea’s sustained national effort and local participation.

WHO confirmed elimination of onchocerciasis transmission in Niger.

Long-term treatment and surveillance helped stop transmission of river blindness.

Niger joined countries in the Americas that had already achieved WHO verification.

The WHO finding concerns transmission of onchocerciasis, not the end of all neglected diseases.

The plan targeted vaccination for girls and screening for adult women.

Rwanda’s strategy included timely care for women with precancer or cancer.

The ministry announced its goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2027.

The 7 February report describes fexinidazole delivered to Malawi and Zimbabwe on 30 January.

Fexinidazole can treat the rhodesiense form of sleeping sickness in both stages in appropriate cases.