Rwanda is enhancing its cancer control efforts, particularly for cervical cancer, through improved services, governance, and professional training. The imPACT review highlights the nation’s commitment to overcoming challenges in access to comprehensive care. With support from the IAEA and others, Rwanda is set to launch its National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2029, focusing on prevention and treatment initiatives.
Rwanda is making significant advancements in cancer control through focused strategies aimed at cervical cancer and the enhancement of its health workforce. An international assessment highlighted these efforts, which include improving cancer services and training oncology professionals, although challenges in access to comprehensive cancer care remain prevalent across the country.
The imPACT review, conducted by the IAEA, WHO, and IARC, assessed Rwanda’s capacity for cancer care. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, the Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, noted the timeliness of the review in relation to Rwanda’s new National Cancer Control Plan (2025–2029) and Accelerated Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy. The country is working diligently to enhance both cancer prevention and treatment services for its citizens.
According to IARC data from 2022, Rwanda records approximately 7,000 new cancer diagnoses annually, leading to over 4,800 fatalities, with cervical cancer being the most common among women. This alarming trend is partially attributed to infectious diseases like HPV. Other common cancers include breast and stomach cancers in women and prostate, stomach, and liver cancers in men.
During the in-country mission from January 20-24, a team of experts, including technical officers from IAEA, WHO, and IARC, engaged with various stakeholders to gain insights into Rwanda’s cancer control landscape. They visited prominent health facilities, evaluated training institutions, and appreciated Rwanda’s progress since the previous imPACT review in 2014. The findings from this recent assessment aim to inform Rwanda’s updated National Cancer Control Plan set for implementation from 2025 to 2029.
The assessment team commended Rwanda’s cancer prevention initiatives, which incorporate programs targeting physical activity, tobacco control, and HPV vaccination. Rwanda pioneered the HPV vaccine rollout in Africa, achieving a remarkable first-dose coverage rate of 90% among girls by age 15 by 2023. Enhanced efforts for nationwide vaccination and screening to combat cervical cancer are planned for the current year.
However, the team acknowledged ongoing challenges in cancer control, such as unequal distribution of specialized healthcare resources and dependency on external funding. They emphasized the need for Rwanda to bolster domestic public/private investment in health and enhance integration of cancer control in existing health initiatives to improve access.
Currently, Rwanda offers limited radiotherapy services due to maintenance issues affecting the operational capacity of its equipment. The imPACT team has recommended the expansion of radiation medicine services, including additional training for equipment maintenance. Additionally, there is an effort underway to develop nuclear medicine capabilities, requiring specialized training across various imaging modalities.
Support from the IAEA extends beyond the review; since 2014, they have been instrumental in developing Rwanda’s radiotherapy services and initiated the Rays of Hope initiative in 2022, aiming to bridge gaps in global cancer care access. The collaboration seeks to ensure sustained impact through strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the imPACT review findings will guide the Ministry of Health as they implement the National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2029.
Rwanda is undertaking significant measures to enhance its cancer care framework, particularly focusing on cervical cancer prevention and health workforce development. While progress has been made, notable challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to comprehensive cancer services across the nation. Ongoing support from international bodies, including the IAEA and WHO, remains crucial for the successful implementation of Rwanda’s updated cancer control strategies. The commitment to reducing cancer burden and improving health outcomes is reflected in the collaborative efforts and strategic plans moving forward.
Original Source: www.iaea.org
