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Jean Pierre Gafaranga,1,2 Felix Manirakiza,3,4 Emmanuel Ndagijimana,5 Jean Christian Urimubabo,6 Irénée David Karenzi,7 Esperance Muhawenayo,6 Phophina Muhimpundu Gashugi,8 Dancilla Nyirasebura,6 Belson Rugwizangoga3,4 1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; 2Department of Psychiatry, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda; 3Department of Clinical Biology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; 4Department of Pathology, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda; 5Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; 6Department of Surgery, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda; 7Department of Surgery, Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, Musanze, Rwanda; 8Department of Physical Rehabilitation, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, RwandaCorrespondence: Jean Pierre Gafaranga, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda, Department of Psychiatry, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda, Tel +250788224864, Email j.p.gafaranga@ur.ac.rw; gafajepi@gmail.comBackground: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem with marked geographical disparity. High morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries are associated with low screening rates. In 2020, in Rwanda, 3.7 million women aged 15– 59 years were at risk of developing cervical cancer, the most commonly diagnosed female cancer in Rwanda. Despite Rwanda being the first African country to vaccinate against human papilloma virus with a three-dose regimen vaccination coverage of nearly 93% in the target population of girls aged < 15 years, and having established cervical cancer screening program, recent studies have found low screening rates. Our study sought to determine knowledge, motivators and barriers of cervical cancer screening.Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study; using focus group interview in an urban health facility (Muhima district hospital) and a rural health center (Nyagasambu health center) offering cervical screening services in Rwanda. Participants were women seeking these services and other women attending the health facility for any reason, and female staff working in these facilities. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using content analysis.Results: Thirty women participated in focus group interview, with an average age of 39 years. Many of women showed knowledge about cervical cancer existence and prevention methods. However, fear for pain, lack of knowledge about screening, how and where the screening was done, and concern for privacy were recurring subthemes. Some participants also mentioned lack of health insurance as a barrier for cervical cancer screening.Conclusion: Barriers to uptake cervical cancer screening services in Rwanda are related to poor information about cervical cancer and the importance of screening as well as non-adherence to medical insurance. Population sensitization through campaign and community outreach activities could have a positive impact on increasing the usage of cervical cancer screening in Rwanda.Keywords: cervical cancer, screening, fear for pain, qualitative, acceptance, Rwanda

Background: Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are the most reported health acquired infection and common surgical complication in both developed and developing countries. In developing countries such as Rwanda, there is a paucity of published reports on the pattern of SSI, therefore this study aimed at assessing the incidence, risk factors and the antibiotic profile of pathogens responsible of SSI., Methods: This prospective study included 294 patients admitted between October 10, 2017 and February 12, 2018 to the surgical department of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. Patients data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire in English version. Regular follow-up was maintained until at least 30 days postoperatively. Samples were collected from suspected wounds and identified using different bacteria culture media. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software word version 20.0. P -value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The overall incidence of SSI was 10.9%. The associated risk factors were found to be an increased age, ASA class, wound classification, skills and experience of the surgeon, longer duration of surgery (> 2 h), prolonged duration of hospital stay, blood transfusion and emergency surgery. The most common pathogens isolated were Klebsiella ssp (55%), followed by Escherichia coli (15%) and Proteus ssp (12%), Acinectobacter (9%), Staphylococcus aureus (6%) and coagulase-negative staphylococc i (3%).The pathogens revealed different levels of antibiotic resistance; amoxy-clavilinic acid (98.8%), gentamicin (92.6%), ciprofloxacin (78.1%) and ceftriaxone (53.3%). On the other hand, Amikacin and imipinem were the only two most effective antibiotics for all isolated pathogens with 100% sensitivity., Conclusion: SSI incidence rate was revealed to be within acceptable international ranges. However, multi drug resistance was seen in half of the isolates leaving clinicians with few choices of drugs for the treatment of patients with SSI. Periodic surveillance of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility coupled with the implementation of strict protocol for antibiotic administration and operative room regulations are important to minimize the burden of SSI with resistant bacteria pathogens., Competing Interests: The study was approved by the Kigali University Teaching Hospital Ethics committee. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants.Not applicable.The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.