Rwanda has officially launched a two month countrywide Governance and Family Campaign starting with the Mother and Child Health Week and providing integrated interventions to millions of Rwandans aimed at improving health. The Mother and Child Health Week was conducted from 9th to 13th October 2017 with technical and financial support from stakeholders, including WHO.

Rwanda First Lady, Mrs Jeanette Kagame, officially launched the campaign in Kirehe District on 11th October and emphasized the importance of Early Childhood Development Centres in reducing malnutrition.
"We have already set up 16 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in different districts across Rwanda," said the First Lady.  During the launching ceremony, also were celebrated the World Girl Day and the African Woman Day.

The Mother and Child Health Week targeted more than 4.8 million children between 6-59 months to be vaccinated against Measles and Rubella, administration of vitamin A and deworming tablets among other interventions. The campaign targeted also to enroll 25000 women into modern family planning while sensitization on nutrition to prevent malnutrition, stunting, and hygiene were emphasized. This campaign was expected to raise the herd immunity and health status of Rwandan population and contribute to the country’s efforts in measles elimination. The campaign also contributed to the process of elimination of Soil Helminthiasis and Schistosomiasis as a problem of public health. In addition, an integrated post Measles and rubella campaign coverage evaluation survey will be conducted to evaluate Measles and Rubella Coverage.

The integrated Mother and Child Health Week was closed on 13th October in Nyamagabe District and the ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr Diane Gashumba, in presence of health partners and District authorities. This ceremony was also an opportunity to celebrate the World Polio Day and the Global Hand washing Day.