Rwanda has been making significant strides in tackling preventable cancers, with a strong emphasis on enhancing services, governance, and professional training in oncology. However, a recent international review has highlighted the need to further expand access to comprehensive cancer care across the country.
A collaborative assessment conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated Rwanda’s cancer care system. Completed in January, the imPACT review examined the nation’s healthcare capacity and identified areas for development in cancer prevention and treatment.
“This review is very timely, since Rwanda is now launching its new National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2029 and Accelerated Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy,” said Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre at the Ministry of Health. “Rwanda is continuously making strides towards enhancing cancer prevention and treatment services for its population.”
With an estimated 7,000 new cancer diagnoses and more than 4,800 deaths annually, as reported by IARC in 2022, the disease is an escalating public health challenge in Rwanda. The spread of cancers, particularly cervical cancer—the most common among women—has been linked to infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Other frequently diagnosed cancers include breast and stomach cancer in women, and prostate, stomach, and liver cancer in men.
Between 20 and 24 January, a team of technical experts from IAEA, WHO, and IARC, along with specialists from Africa and the Americas, conducted an in-depth evaluation in Rwanda. They engaged with national authorities, civil society groups, and cancer survivors to gain a clearer understanding of the existing framework and challenges in cancer care.
During their visit, the team assessed key healthcare facilities, including the Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital, home to the Rwanda Cancer Centre, and the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK). District health centres were also visited to gauge the accessibility and distribution of cancer care services.
Rwanda was praised for the progress made since its last imPACT review in 2014. The country’s updated National Cancer Control Plan, set for implementation from 2025 to 2029, will incorporate recommendations from the latest assessment to strengthen its fight against the disease.
“As a strategic tool, the NCCP is crucial to ensure that priority is given to the disease within the national health context, and for guiding actions that address pressing cancer challenges and the distribution of resources,” said Laura Haskins, project officer at the IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy and imPACT review team lead.
One of Rwanda’s strongest achievements in cancer control has been its commitment to prevention. The country has introduced initiatives promoting physical activity, strengthened tobacco control measures, and pioneered HPV vaccination programmes. In 2011, Rwanda became the first African nation to roll out the HPV vaccine, and by 2023, 90% of girls had received their first dose by age 15. This year, the government is set to intensify its cervical cancer elimination efforts through nationwide vaccination and screening campaigns.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Cancer care remains unevenly distributed, with many specialised services concentrated in urban centres. The international team also noted that Rwanda’s reliance on external funding presents a long-term sustainability concern. To address these gaps, the review recommended increasing domestic public and private investment in cancer care and integrating cancer control with other healthcare programmes to enhance accessibility.
“The WHO Country Office is committed to supporting Rwanda as it strengthens health systems for cancer control, in particular to ensure integration with existing programmes and structures,” said WHO Representative Brian Chirombo.
Rwanda currently offers radiotherapy services through two linear accelerators in Kigali, but limited servicing capacity has led to machine downtime, restricting timely access to treatment. The review urged the expansion of radiation medicine beyond the capital and called for increased investment in workforce training to ensure in-country equipment maintenance. Plans are also underway to develop nuclear medicine capabilities, with recommendations to broaden specialist training, particularly in imaging modalities.
Through its technical cooperation initiatives, the IAEA has played a key role in supporting Rwanda’s cancer care development. Following the 2014 imPACT review, the agency advised the government on establishing radiotherapy services, leading to the opening of the country’s first radiotherapy centre in 2019.
To further bridge the global gap in cancer care, the IAEA launched the Rays of Hope initiative in 2022. This programme aims to drive impactful and sustainable partnerships that enhance access to treatment worldwide. Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure aligns with these efforts, reinforcing its role as a leader in cancer prevention and treatment within the region.
