In 2020, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) launched a campaign to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027. The aim was to achieve this three years ahead of the World Health Organization’s target. The initiative is being rolled out nationwide, focusing on community awareness, early detection, and timely treatment. ALSO READ: Rwanda could eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, says health minister Dr. Théoneste Maniragaba, the Director of the Cancer Programme at RBC, emphasised the urgency of the campaign, saying that cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in Rwanda. “Every year, we diagnose between 600 and 800 new cases, with nearly 600 fatalities. Our goal is to prevent these deaths through early detection and treatment,” he explained. ALSO READ: What Rwanda is doing to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027 The campaign has expanded to 15 districts including Gicumbi, Nyabiru, Rubavu, Karongi, Rusizi, Huye, Muhanga, Gasabo, Nyarugenge, and Bugesera, where services were introduced in 101 health facilities. During events such as Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and World Cancer Day, screening campaigns have been launched in districts like Rubavu, Nyabihu, and Bugesera. Gicumbi and Karongi have already achieved the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets. Next week, the campaign will be taken to Kicukiro District, in Kigali. The plan is to reach all the country’s districts by 2027. “When assessing our progress in a district, we mobilize local leaders, conduct meetings, and train healthcare providers to effectively support the community. For the next three months, we will increase awareness campaigns, organize community gatherings, and invite women for screening. Once this phase is completed, we will move to the next districts.” The initiative is a collaborative effort involving community health workers, health centers, district hospitals, and local government leaders. Dr. Maniragaba noted that the engagement of religious organizations, women’s councils, and multiracial councils has been instrumental in mobilizing the community as they play a key role in ensuring that awareness reaches every household. Healthcare workers, including nurses and midwives, are undergoing extensive training to conduct screenings and detect early signs of cervical cancer. “Our approach ensures that people come to health centers for screening and, if necessary, receive treatment. Those with pre-cancerous lesions are treated immediately, while those diagnosed with cancer are referred to specialized centers,” he added. Addressing community knowledge gaps RBC conducted knowledge and attitude studies to understand these gaps, asking individuals about their awareness of the disease and how they would respond to symptoms. Dr. Maniragaba said that results from the studies show that there is still a lack of awareness as many people are still uninformed about cervical cancer—what causes it, how it manifests, and what to do if symptoms appear. The campaign places a strong emphasis on education, through information sharing, and community mobilization to ensure that women understand the importance of screening and take the necessary steps to protect their health, he added. Aligning with global and national strategies Rwanda’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer aligns with WHO’s 90-70-90 targets. These objectives aim for 90% of girls aged 13 to 15 to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), 70% of women aged 29 to 49 to be screened, and 90% of those with pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions to receive appropriate treatment. Although Rwanda began cervical cancer screening in 2013, the scope has expanded following WHO’s 2020 launch of the global cervical cancer elimination strategy. “With the government’s accelerated plan, we are working towards achieving elimination by 2027,” Dr. Maniragaba noted. Strengthening health infrastructure To support the campaign, Rwanda equipped its main health facilities with the necessary tools and expertise for cervical cancer screening, surgery, and radiotherapy. Institutions such as the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital, Butaro Hospital, and King Faisal Hospital, contribute to managing cases that require specialized care. Data managers and HIV clinic personnel are undergoing training to improve data collection and management, which will help track progress and improve strategies as the campaign expands. Cancer survivor’s ‘reminder to all women’ Josephine Kanyange, a cervical cancer survivor, urged women between the ages of 21 and 50 to visit a gynaecologist for regular screenings for cervical cancer, specifically the Pap Smear Test and HPV Test, which should be done annually. She said that early detection increases the chances of survival. “Regular cervical cancer screenings are crucial, as early detection can be life-saving. It is a reminder to all women. Do not ignore your health—get screened and seek help when needed,” Kanyange said. In 2020, she began experiencing irregular menstrual periods, which she initially believed to be normal. However, with time, she got concerned when, by June that year, she suffered from extremely heavy menstrual bleeding, requiring more than one packet of sanitary pads per day. Determined to find the cause, she sought out the expertise of several gynaecologists. Unfortunately, they assured her that everything would be fine and that her symptoms were not cause for concern. It wasn’t until she consulted a senior gynaecologist at Legacy Clinics, that the truth was revealed. After a thorough examination, the doctor found a tumour on her cervix and performed a biopsy. The two-week wait for the results was a harrowing experience, Kanyange recalls, but she clung to hope and faith. When the results came, they were devastating. Kanyange was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, she couldn’t help but wonder how much longer she had to live. Despite the bad news, the doctor immediately recommended that she visits Rwanda Cancer Centre at Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital for treatment. With the understanding and support of her employer, who granted her a one-month medical leave, she began a difficult but life-saving journey. The treatment involved radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which took a toll on her body, leading to loss of appetite and weight. The emotional and physical strain was intense, but she maintained a positive mindset. After a challenging month of treatment, Kanyange continued her journey of recovery. By August, she was able to return to work, with her doctor advising a follow-up check-up in December that year. That check-up showed promising results, and in 2023, another check-up confirmed that she was cancer-free.
