Rwanda to Launch Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme

January 23, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

The Rwandan government will officially launch its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, aligning with activities to mark World Cancer Day.

The Rwandan government will officially launch its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, aligning with activities to mark World Cancer Day. The plan supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets, which aim to vaccinate 90% of girls aged 13 to 15 against human papillomavirus (HPV), screen 70% of women aged 29 to 49 for cervical cancer, and ensure 90% of women with pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions receive appropriate treatment.

Rwanda has prioritised cervical cancer because it is a global elimination initiative, said Dr. Théoneste Maniragaba, Director of the Cancer Program at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). The government has taken all possible measures to ensure it meets the targets by 2027. This includes vaccinating girls, screening women, and providing timely treatment for those diagnosed.

Maniragaba emphasised the need for skilled human resources, advanced equipment, and infrastructure to implement the plan effectively. Major health facilities have been equipped with tools and personnel for cervical cancer screening, surgery, and radiotherapy. The country needs trained professionals to conduct screenings, assist with surgeries, and provide radiotherapy. All these elements are in place to ensure a smooth rollout of the strategy.

Some districts, such as Gicumbi and Karongi, have already achieved the 90-70-90 targets, reflecting Rwanda’s commitment to the elimination goal. However, other areas require additional efforts to meet the benchmarks.

Rwanda’s community-based health insurance scheme now includes cancer treatment, covering surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—a significant step toward reducing the financial burden of care. This will increase healthcare-seeking behaviour because patients will no longer fear the financial strain of treatment. It aligns with the strategy to ensure that 90% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer receive timely and effective treatment.

The WHO’s global strategy aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence to fewer than four cases per 100,000 women annually by 2030. Achieving the 90-70-90 targets is critical for countries to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem within the next century.