DRC: Prime Minister Calls Fight Against Female Cancers a National Imperative

Kinshasa, DRC - Speaking at the opening of a round table on women’s cancers in Kinshasa on Saturday, 25 October 2025, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa described the fight against female cancers as a “national imperative”, calling for an integrated, equitable, and sustainable strategy involving the public and private sectors, development partners, and local communities.

Minister of Public Health Roger Samuel Kamba highlighted that nearly 150,000 women are diagnosed annually with breast or cervical cancer, equating to two new cases per hour, often at an advanced stage.

The government is taking steps to strengthen the national cancer control centre, decentralize screening, modernize technical facilities, and distribute anti-cancer drugs for free in six provinces. Additionally, the cervical cancer vaccine is planned for introduction in 2026.

Despite these initiatives, officials note persistent challenges, including the absence of a national cancer registry, the centralization of infrastructure in Kinshasa, and the high cost of treatment, which continue to hinder nationwide access to care.