UGANDAN HEALTH MINISTER RAISES CONCERNS OVER INCREASE IN CANCER

By

Robert Ssewankambo

“Parents and guardians must respond positively to the immunisation in the offing,” Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, who became Acting Health Minister following Doctor Ruhakana Rugunda’s promotion to Prime Minister, urged.

Addressing journalists in Bugoloobi, Kampala today, Dr Tumwesigye expressed concern over the rising cases of the cancer of the mouth. “Ugandans are changing their sexual addresses (resulting in a rise) in cancer of the mouth,” mused the Minister.

He went on appealing to Ugandans to stop copying whatever is practiced in the West, saying if it was not Ugandan obsession with whatever is white; Natives would not be suffering from cancer and wasting money to treat it.

Dr Tumwesigye also announced that girls of ten years and above will receive the relevant HPV vaccine come April 2015. Girls as young as five are currently plagued by cancer problems, especially of the cervix and breast, which was never the case in years gone by.

He added that Ugandan Immunisation drive hit a low of 79% in 2012, but was happy to report that new figures show the country’s immunisation stands at 97%. in turn urging Ugandans against complacency.

Robert Ssewankambo

Robert Ssewankambo is a Ugandan writer. Working currently on a freelance basis, he is a regular contributor to major newspapers in Uganda and electronic online magazines and media sources in Africa, such as the Bukedde newspaper, Hindered radio, Red Pepper, Eddobozzi newspaper and African Interest online.

For media enquiries, contact Robert at the following email address: [email protected]