The Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga (RCKV) has launched a US$5 million fundraising campaign to procure Rwanda’s first Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanner, a state-of-the-art medical imaging machine expected to significantly improve early cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment across the country.
The fundraising campaign was officially unveiled during the launch of the Kigali Cancer Walk 2026, an initiative spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga in partnership with all Rotary Clubs in Rwanda, the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
The inaugural Cancer Walk will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with proceeds from the sale of official Cancer Walk kits and other donations going towards the purchase of the life-saving machine.
Speaking at the launch, President of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, Alex Ndibwami, described the campaign as a national call to action aimed at transforming cancer care in Rwanda through collective action and sustained public support.
“This campaign represents hope for every family affected by cancer. Every Cancer Walk kit purchased and every contribution made brings us one step closer to saving lives. We are inviting individuals, families, companies and institutions to become part of a legacy that will transform cancer diagnosis and care in Rwanda,” Ndibwami said.
He acknowledged that raising US$5 million would require a united effort but expressed confidence that the target can be achieved through partnerships involving government institutions, the private sector, development partners and ordinary citizens.
“Five million dollars for a SPECT scanner is not an easy feat, but this is a national call to action. Twenty-five years after our club helped mobilize support for the Kigali Public Library, we believe we can once again unite the country behind a project that will save lives,” he said.
Ndibwami also announced that the Kigali Cancer Walk will become an annual event, ensuring that fundraising efforts are complemented by continuous public awareness campaigns encouraging Rwandans to undergo regular medical check-ups and cancer screening for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The initiative coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, which organizers say has a long-standing history of supporting transformative national projects.
The club was among the key contributors to the fundraising efforts that led to the construction of the Kigali Public Library, a project valued at approximately US$6 million.
According to the Ministry of Health, Rwanda records an estimated 10,000 new cancer cases every year, while nearly 7,000 people lose their lives to the disease annually.
Health experts attribute many of these deaths to late diagnosis, when treatment options become more limited and less effective.
Once acquired, the SPECT scanner will significantly strengthen Rwanda’s capacity to diagnose cancer at an early stage, improve treatment planning and expand access to advanced nuclear medicine services.
The machine is expected to help reduce cancer-related deaths by enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis, while also reducing the need for some patients to seek specialized diagnostic imaging services outside the country.
Beyond raising funds for the scanner, the campaign seeks to increase public awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of routine screening.
Organizers say participants in the Kigali Cancer Walk will also benefit from cancer screening services and health education activities during the event, reinforcing the message that early detection saves lives.
How to Participate
The Kigali Cancer Walk 2026 will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, bringing together thousands of Rwandans in a united effort to raise awareness about cancer and support the campaign to acquire Rwanda’s first Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanner.
Participants will walk from BK Arena, through Gishushu, and conclude at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
Members of the public are encouraged to take part by purchasing an official Kigali Cancer Walk kit at Rwf25,000, with all proceeds contributing to the US$5 million fundraising campaign aimed at strengthening cancer diagnosis and treatment services in Rwanda.
The Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga has designated kcw.rgtickets.com as the official ticketing portal for the event, where participants can purchase their kits and secure their place in the Cancer Walk.
Organizers say every kit purchased represents a direct contribution towards a life-saving cause, helping bring Rwanda closer to acquiring a SPECT scanner that will improve early cancer detection, enhance treatment planning and ultimately save lives.
The Kigali Cancer Walk 2026 is supported by a broad coalition of corporate sponsors and institutional partners. Key sponsors include NCBA Bank, RSSB, I&M Bank, SKOL Brewery Ltd, Maya EA Ltd and BK General Insurance. The City of Kigali is also partnering with the organizers to support the initiative.
