{{After complaints from the public, the Ministry of Health has released a press statement regarding the death of the 12 years old Jessica Ishimwe Igihozo and below is the statement from the Ministry of Health as sent through emails to different media houses.}}

PRESS STATEMENT

{{The unfortunate death of ISHIMWE Jessica}}

The Ministry of Health and University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) are
saddened by the unfortunate death of 12-year-old Jessica Ishimwe who
passed away on the morning of Thursday 10th November 2011, at the
hospital.

Ishimwe had been hospitalized in CHUK for two years suffering from a
rare and complicated genetically inherited disease with no known
preventive measures and curative treatment

Ever since this disease was diagnosed six years ago, a team of Medical
experts at CHUK has been administering supportive or palliative
treatment with expert advice from specialists coming from Europe and
North America.

Despite this treatment, the young Jessica passed away and we can only
hope that one day, Researchers and Scientists will be able to provide
health professionals with the prescription to treat this kind of
illness not only in Rwanda but across the world.

The entire health sector wishes to extend its sincere condolences to
the parents of Jessica, her friends and well-wishers during these sad
moments.

May her soul rest in eternity!

Dr. Agnes Binagwaho
Minister of Health