Cervical cancer elimination strategy in Rwanda

Cervical cancer is a major public health challenge in Rwanda. The estimated incidence of cervical cancer in Rwanda is 1,229 new cases (ASR 28.2 cases/100,000), and this figure is projected to double to 2,347 in 20 years if no effective strategies are put in place to reverse this burden. Cervical cancer is also the leading cause of cancer mortality for women, with 829 deaths estimated for 2020 (ADSR 20.1 deaths/100,000 women).

In 2010, a Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer was launched by the World Health organization (WHO) in Kigali with the vision of a world where cervical cancer is eliminated as a public health problem. In response to the WHO call, Rwanda is developing its National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer 2022-2030 that will guide the national response over the next years. This critical document is grounded in scientific knowledge and innovation, is guided by equitable access to health services, and emphasizes collaboration within Rwanda and internationally, and across sectors.

To eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem globally and achieve the elimination threshold of an age-adjusted incidence rate lower than 4 cases per 100,000 women-years, Rwanda will need to maintain the high coverage rates of HPV vaccination above 90%, significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates to 70%, and improve access and utilization of treatment services to 90% (90% of women screened positive treated for pre-cancer lesions and 90% of invasive cancer cases managed).

Tha CANswers Project supports the cervical cancer elimination team at the Rwandan Biomedical Center as they develod the strategic plan that will present the actions that the country needs to take to achieve the 90-70-90 goal by 2030.

Read more:

• Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative