The First Lady of Mozambique Visits the CISM in Manhiça

The First Lady of Mozambique, Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza, visited the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) in Mozambique with the Vice-Minister for Health and the Governor of Maputo. Also accompanying Dr. Guebuza were the Spanish Ambassador in Mozambique, members of local authorities, and a representative from the World Health Organisation's Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

The First Lady showed great interest in the work being conducted by the CISM in the investigation, prevention and treatment of malaria and other diseases such as cervical cancer.

A large part of human papillomavirus (HPV) research is being conducted in Mozambique as this was one of the countries chosen for a pilot HPV vaccination project supported by the GAVI Alliance. As part of this research, the CISM and ISGlobal recently launched the PapVac study, designed to identify key factors for the design of an adequate HPV vaccination programme for Mozambique.

Much of Dr. Guebuza's visit took place at a rural school where she attended several cultural activities performed by the students and participated in a group discussion with 13-to-15-year-old girls whose sisters are candidates for HPV vaccination. At the end of her visit, Her Excellency Dr. Guebuza stressed how important it was for mothers and other members of the community to collaborate with the CISM's PapVac study.