Rwanda screens over 600,000 women for cervical cancer
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Rwanda’s nationwide health program screened more than 600,000 women for cervical cancer, working toward its goal to eliminate the disease by 2027.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) is expanding the screening campaign across the country, having already completed screening in the Eastern Province and parts of Kigali. Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba of the RBC explained that the program uses population data to identify eligible women and relies heavily on community health workers to reach them in their homes and communities.
The country aims to screen 70 percent of women aged 30 to 49 by 2027, currently reaching 37 percent. Women are being taught to collect their own samples for testing, and those with precancerous lesions receive treatment at local health centers and hospitals. Rwanda hopes to surpass the World Health Organization’s 2030 elimination target by focusing on early detection and treatment, with a goal of screening 1.5 million women overall.
Maniragaba noted that the program is detecting more cases at earlier, more treatable stages. Despite high HPV vaccination coverage, around 93 percent, challenges remain. These include limited access to testing, logistical hurdles, and a shortage of trained health workers. Organizations like Rwanda Cancer Relief are supporting the government’s efforts by raising awareness and encouraging women to participate in the screenings.
