Women in Rwanda can now collect cervical cancer screening samples at home, through a new programme aimed at increasing access to testing. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s push to eliminate cervical cancer ahead of WHO targets The self-sampling programme, led by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), allows women to pick up kits from public health facilities or private clinics, collect a vaginal sample themselves, and return it for laboratory testing. The kits are free under the RBC Cancer Programme, said Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, the Director of the Cancer Programme at RBC. ALSO READ: What Rwanda is doing to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027 “Women use a swab from the kit to collect a sample at home, which is then tested in a laboratory for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. Once results are ready, a healthcare provider shares them, and women who test positive are referred for further checks, such as a pap smear (a procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing) or medical examination,” Maniragaba explained. Private clinics taking part include Legacy, DMC Carrefour, Good Life, Bien Naitre, Bwiza Medical, MBC Hospital, Polyclinic Medico-Social, and Saint Jean Polyclinique in Nyarugenge. Maniragaba said that the programme targets all women aged 30 and above, even if they feel healthy, as early-stage cervical cancer often shows no symptoms. Women experiencing unusual bleeding, persistent discharge, or noticing a painless lump in the breast are also encouraged to participate. The programme, which began six months ago, faced challenges in raising awareness and encouraging women to come forward. However, support from local leaders in recent weeks has improved participation, he added. Maniragaba noted that self-sampling helps overcome barriers such as discomfort, embarrassment, or limited access to clinics, and it is as accurate as clinician-collected tests. “Early detection is critical in preventing cervical cancer. This programme provides convenient access to screening and empowers women to take control of their health,” he said. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among Rwandan women, with 600 to 800 new cases and nearly 600 deaths annually, according to the latest National Cancer Registry (2022). Rwanda aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, three years ahead of the World Health Organiszation’s “90-70-90” cervical cancer elimination targets. The target means that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15, 70% of women are screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive treatment. According to Maniragaba, there are ongoing community mobilisation and vaccination campaigns that are part of the government’s plan to reduce or eliminate cervical cancer by improving early detection nationwide, vaccination, and treatment. RBC is leading the mass screening campaigns and has deployed Women Cancer Early Detection (WCED) mentors at health facilities to guide and support local staff.
