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Rwanda Boosts Cancer Care Amid Radiotherapy Shortages

9/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Since 2018, Rwanda has enhanced cancer treatment access through the Rwanda Cancer Centre, decreasing dependence on foreign facilities.
Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba highlighted that 60% of cancer patients globally require radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy costs rose from Rwf 6,000 to Rwf 13,600, but community insurance covers most expenses.
Rwanda has only two radiotherapy machines for its 13 million residents, below the recommended capacity.
A five-year plan aims to create new treatment centers and train specialized staff, while the Ministry of Health plans to include chemotherapy in the national cancer benefit package.

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Story summary

Since 2018, Rwanda has enhanced cancer treatment access through the Rwanda Cancer Centre, decreasing dependence on foreign facilities.
Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba highlighted that 60% of cancer patients globally require radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy costs rose from Rwf 6,000 to Rwf 13,600, but community insurance covers most expenses.
Rwanda has only two radiotherapy machines for its 13 million residents, below the recommended capacity.
A five-year plan aims to create new treatment centers and train specialized staff, while the Ministry of Health plans to include chemotherapy in the national cancer benefit package.