Rwanda Strengthens Cancer Control Measures Amid Growing Health Concerns

The review comes as Rwanda is preparing to launch its new National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2025–2029 and an Accelerated Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy.

Rwanda has taken significant steps to address preventable cancers across the country, according to a recent international assessment conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The assessment highlighted Rwanda's progress in improving cancer services, developing key governance documents, and enhancing training for oncology professionals. However, challenges persist in achieving comprehensive cancer care access nationwide.

Launch of the National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2029

The review comes as Rwanda is preparing to launch its new National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2025–2029 and an Accelerated Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy. Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer prevention and treatment services.

With 7,000 new cancer diagnoses and over 4,800 deaths annually (IARC, 2022), cancer remains a critical public health challenge in Rwanda. Infectious diseases, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), contribute significantly to cancer rates. Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women, followed by breast and stomach cancers. Among men, prostate cancer is the most common, followed by stomach and liver cancers.

Findings from the in-country mission

Between January 20–24, a team of IAEA, WHO, and IARC technical officers, along with eight international experts from Africa and the Americas, conducted an in-country review. They engaged with national authorities, civil society, cancer survivor groups, and other stakeholders to evaluate Rwanda’s cancer control landscape.

Site visits included major healthcare facilities such as the Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital (which hosts the Rwanda Cancer Centre), the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), and district healthcare centers. The team acknowledged Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening cancer control, noting significant progress since the previous imPACT review in 2014.

The updated National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2025–2029 will incorporate recommendations from the recent review, ensuring strategic focus on priority areas within Rwanda’s national healthcare system. "As a strategic tool, the NCCP is crucial to prioritizing cancer care and efficiently allocating resources," said Laura Haskins, project officer at the IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy.

Praised efforts in cancer prevention

Rwanda's cancer prevention initiatives were particularly commended. The country has implemented programs promoting physical activity, tobacco control, and HPV vaccination—a major driver in reducing cervical cancer rates. Rwanda was the first African nation to introduce the HPV vaccine, and by 2023, had achieved a first-dose coverage rate of 90% among girls aged 15.

This year, Rwanda plans to escalate efforts toward cervical cancer elimination through a nationwide vaccination and screening campaign.

Challenges and recommendations

Despite notable progress, Rwanda faces several challenges in its cancer control efforts, including unequal distribution of specialized healthcare services and reliance on external funding. To address these gaps, the international team recommended:

• Increased domestic investment in cancer care through public-private partnerships.
• Integration of cancer control within broader health programs to improve access and referral networks.
• Expansion of radiation medicine services, including brachytherapy, beyond the capital.
• Investment in training for medical personnel to ensure sustainable maintenance of specialized equipment.

Expansion of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine

Currently, Rwanda has two linear accelerators at a facility in Kigali for radiotherapy services. However, equipment maintenance and staff shortages impact service efficiency. The government plans to expand radiotherapy and nuclear medicine capacity, aligning with recommendations from the imPACT review.

The IAEA has supported Rwanda in developing radiotherapy infrastructure and human resource capacity. Following the 2014 imPACT review, the IAEA provided expert guidance for the establishment of the country's first radiotherapy center, which opened in 2019.

To address gaps in cancer care, the IAEA launched the Rays of Hope initiative in 2022, aiming to improve global cancer care access through sustainable partnerships and infrastructure development.

With these ongoing initiatives, Rwanda continues to make strides toward enhancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive cancer care for all citizens.