Rwanda Launches Home-Based Cervical Cancer Self-Screening Program

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has announced the rollout of a new home-based cervical cancer self-screening program, allowing women to test themselves from the comfort of their homes without visiting health facilities.

The initiative aims to expand access to screening services, promote early detection, and address long-standing challenges such as stigma, fear, and limited access to healthcare facilities.

How the self-screening program works

Under the new program, women can collect self-testing kits from health centers and perform the test at home. After collecting the sample, it is submitted to a laboratory for analysis to detect the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Early detection of HPV significantly improves prevention and treatment outcomes.

RBC confirms free testing kits

The Head of the Cancer Prevention Unit at RBC, Dr. Théoneste Maniragaba, confirmed that the self-screening kits are provided free of charge.

“Women can collect samples at home and submit them to laboratories for HPV testing. Once results are available, healthcare providers communicate them, and those who test positive are referred for further examination or treatment,” he said.

Who is eligible for the program

According to Dr. Maniragaba, the program targets women aged 30 years and above, even if they feel healthy.

He emphasized that cervical cancer often shows no early symptoms, making regular screening essential.

Addressing barriers to screening

RBC noted that the home-based approach will help overcome barriers such as embarrassment, discomfort, fear of medical procedures, and difficulties accessing healthcare services.

Health officials confirmed that the self-screening method is as reliable as facility-based testing when properly conducted.

Private health facilities participating

Several private health facilities have already joined the program, including:

• Legacy Clinic
• DMC Carrefour
• Good Life
• Bien Naitre
• Bwiza Medical
• MBC Hospital
• Polyclinic Medico-Social
• Saint Jean Polyclinique in Nyarugenge

Cervical cancer burden in Rwanda

Data from the Rwanda National Cancer Registry 2022 shows that between 600 and 800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Rwanda, with nearly 600 deaths annually.

The figures highlight cervical cancer as a major public health concern in the country.

Rwanda’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer

Rwanda aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global 90-70-90 targets, which seek to:

• Vaccinate 90% of girls aged 13–15 against HPV
• Screen 70% of women aged 29–49 for cervical cancer
• Ensure 90% of women with precancerous or cancerous lesions receive appropriate treatment