The Rotary Clubs of Rwanda have launched a $5 million fundraising campaign to acquire the country’s first Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanner, a specialised medical imaging technology expected to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The campaign, known as the Kigali Cancer Walk 2026, was launched by the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga (RCKV) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and the City of Kigali. The fundraising walk is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2026, and will bring together government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, companies and members of the public.
The SPECT scanner will be installed at Kanombe Military Hospital and is expected to improve Rwanda’s capacity for early cancer detection, accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The technology can also support diagnosis and management of other conditions, including heart disease, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Rwanda currently does not have a SPECT scanner, meaning patients requiring the specialised imaging must seek the service abroad, mainly in Kenya, South Africa and India.
Cancer remains one of Rwanda’s major public health challenges, with more than 7,000 deaths recorded annually, according to health officials. Medical specialists say limited access to advanced diagnostic technology contributes to late detection, making treatment more difficult for some patients.
Speaking at the campaign launch, Alex Ndibwami, President of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, said the initiative was aimed at mobilising communities and institutions around improving cancer care.
“This campaign represents hope for every family affected by cancer. Through the Kigali Cancer Walk, we are inviting individuals, families, companies and institutions to become part of a legacy that will transform cancer diagnosis in Rwanda. Every kit purchased and every contribution made brings us one step closer to saving lives,” he said.
Project Champion Ben Honoré Nishimwe said the decision to pursue the SPECT scanner followed consultations with the Ministry of Health, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, biomedical engineers, hospital managers and patients.
He said the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga identified the need for advanced functional imaging as part of its 25th anniversary reflection on a project that could serve Rwandans for generations, following the example of the Kigali Public Library, a previous initiative delivered by the club.
“A SPECT scanner allows doctors to understand how organs are functioning, how blood is moving through the body, how tissues are behaving and whether cancer has spread, particularly to the bones,” Nishimwe said.
He said patients currently requiring the scan often face delays and high costs when seeking services outside Rwanda.
“Patients may wait between four and 12 weeks for an appointment and pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for the scan alone, excluding travel and accommodation costs. Many people cannot afford these expenses and doctors are left without the diagnostic information needed to make critical decisions,” he said.
The $5 million fundraising target will cover the purchase of the scanner, shipping, installation, commissioning, radiation safety licensing, staff training and the first year of maintenance. Rotary said the project is expected to become self-sustaining within 18 to 24 months and serve more than 5,000 patients annually.
Representing the Rotary Clubs of Rwanda, Charles Haba, President of the Rotary Club of Rwanda Sport, said the initiative reflects Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment.
“Service Above Self is at the heart of everything Rotary does. This campaign demonstrates what can be achieved when communities unite behind a common purpose. We encourage all Rotarians, partners and friends of Rotary to stand with us in making this vision a reality,” he said.
The Ministry of Health welcomed the initiative, saying the acquisition of a SPECT scanner would strengthen Rwanda’s cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity.
The City of Kigali also pledged support for the event, saying the walk aligns with its efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through its monthly Car-Free Day programme.
Speaking on behalf of the city, spokesperson Emma Claudine said Kigali was pleased to host the activity.
“We believe that a healthy city is built by healthy people. Promoting physical activity, disease prevention and community well-being remains one of our priorities,” she said.
She added that the city expects at least 10,000 people to participate in the walk, which will begin at 7:00 a.m. from the BK Arena parking area, proceed through Chez Lando and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) area, and end at the Kigali Convention Centre Roundabout.
Participants will join government leaders, development partners, healthcare professionals and members of the public for remarks, health education activities and selected free cancer screening services coordinated by RBC and partner organisations.
Chief Executive Officer of RG Consult, Remmygious Lubega, said the campaign highlights the importance of early detection in reducing the impact of cancer.
Members of the public can participate by purchasing the official Kigali Cancer Walk kit, which includes an event vest and cap, for RWF25,000. Registration for the walk and donations towards the SPECT scanner project can be made through:
The Kigali Cancer Walk is supported by NCBA Bank Rwanda, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), I&M Bank Rwanda, SKOL Brewery Ltd, Maya East Africa Ltd and BK General Insurance.
Organisers said every contribution will support efforts to bring specialised cancer imaging technology closer to patients in Rwanda and reduce the need for people to travel abroad for diagnosis.
