Rwanda recently adopted the self-sampling system for cervical cancer screening, a move that can expand access to life-saving services for women. By allowing women to collect their own samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, Rwanda aims to overcome barriers such as limited access to health facilities, cultural stigma, and shortages of trained medical personnel.
Countries across the continent are exploring or implementing self-sampling programs, recognizing their potential to increase early detection and reduce cervical cancer mortality. Evidence from studies in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda shows that self-collection can significantly increase participation compared with traditional clinic-based sampling, making widespread screening more feasible.
In Rwanda, the self-sampling system is expected to complement ongoing HPV vaccination campaigns and national screening strategies, allowing more women to participate in regular screenings conveniently and privately. Similarly, Côte d’Ivoire has already introduced self-collection in its national program, with nearly 90 per cent of women attending health centers that offer the service opting for self-sampling in 2023, up from 51 per cent in 2022. Over 40,000 women were screened through this approach between 2021 and 2023, particularly benefiting women living with HIV, who are at higher risk of cervical cancer.
Across East and Southern Africa, countries such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have started implementing self-sampling or preparing for nationwide rollout. Zambia, for instance, has expanded HPV testing to all provinces, creating the foundation for self-collection programs that can reach thousands of women with fewer logistical constraints. As these programs continue to grow, they are expected to increase screening coverage across the continent dramatically.
Self-sampling can reduce mortality from cervical cancer, which remains among the highest globally in sub-Saharan Africa, by facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment. It can also relieve pressure on healthcare systems and lower costs associated with late-stage treatment, while empowering women to take control of their health.
For investors, policymakers, and health partners across Africa and the Gulf, Rwanda’s recent adoption highlights the transformative potential of scalable, technology-based interventions. By integrating self-sampling into national strategies, African countries can move closer to the World Health Organization’s global targets of screening 90 per cent of women and treating 90 per cent of those with cervical disease by 2030.
Rwanda’s initiative can catalyze broader adoption across Africa, demonstrating how self-sampling for cervical cancer screening can strengthen health systems, improve women’s health outcomes, and serve as a blueprint for regional collaboration on preventive healthcare innovations.
