Investing in Hope: Transforming Cancer Care and Building a Sustainable Future in the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country of vast potential, rich in resources, resilience, and ambition. Yet, like many emerging economies, it faces urgent challenges in healthcare, particularly in cancer care. Each year, more than 52,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed, with 37,000 lives lost- numbers that underscore the pressing need for sustainable solutions.
At Roche, we believe that access to quality cancer care should not be defined by geography. That’s why we are proud to partner with the DRC government and local stakeholders to transform cancer care and build a healthier, more equitable future for every Congolese patient.
In the fight against cancer, data is our compass. But in the DRC, a lack of reliable local data has long hindered effective decision-making. "We've been operating largely on estimates," says Dr. Charles Basilubo, Roche’s Healthcare System Partner in the DRC.
That’s changing. The government’s decision to establish a National Cancer Registry—with Roche’s support—marks a major milestone. This registry will enable evidence-based policymaking, support early detection, and guide investments where they are needed most.
But data alone isn't enough. Access remains a major barrier. Today, thanks to a growing public-private partnership, many patients are already receiving treatment free of charge. Roche is working closely with local health authorities to expand access to innovative therapies and introduce digital health tools—from AI-powered screening to patient navigation apps—particularly in underserved rural communities.
In February 2025, Roche signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP). This agreement reflects a shared vision: to create a stronger, more resilient healthcare ecosystem that delivers long-term impact.
The partnership is structured around four strategic pillars:
Early Detection: Launching large-scale screening for HPV and breast cancer, with a target of 1 million women screened over five years.
Infectious Disease Response: Addressing Mpox, Ebola, TB, and HIV through faster, more accurate diagnostics.
Maternal Health and Blood Safety: Strengthening blood transfusion services and protecting mothers and newborns.
Health System Digitalization: Building a national cancer registry and interlinking laboratory networks.
"This partnership represents a major step forward," says Dieudonné Mwamba, Director General of INSP. "Together with Roche, we have identified key areas of collaboration focused on the diagnosis and management of cancer and infectious diseases."
By the end of 2025, we aim to have trained more than 200 healthcare professionals, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience. And by 2030, our goal is to ensure the safety of 750,000 blood bags each year—a critical milestone for maternal and child health.
This collaboration builds on our existing five-year agreement with the Ministry of Health, focused on strengthening every stage of the cancer care journey: awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and data-driven decision-making.
Together, we are taking inspiration and learnings from other countries and making real progress:
Cancer registry: Digital tools enabling real-time monitoring.
Early detection: Expanding reach through AI and mobile platforms.
Treatment access: Establishing cancer centers and ensuring availability of essential medicines.
Capacity building: Training the next generation of oncologists and healthcare workers.
Public awareness: Combating myths and reducing stigma.
Infrastructure investment: Supporting resilient health systems.
“We must demystify cancer,” says Dr. Basilubo. “Everyone should understand it is not a death sentence—it is treatable.”
This partnership is about more than healthcare; it's about investing in the DRC's future.
“We have just signed this memorandum of understanding with Roche RDC to further strengthen our collaboration. Together with Roche, we have identified four key areas of collaboration focused on the diagnosis of cancer-related diseases,” said Dieudonné Mwamba, Director General of INSP.
To deliver on our vision for a healthier future, we must close critical gaps: trained professionals, robust infrastructure, digital reach, and sustainable financing. But the path forward is clear.
“At Roche, we envision a Congo where every patient has access to quality cancer care—at no cost to the patient,” says Dr. Basilubo. “To get there, we need to scale our partnerships and build a system that lasts.”
Our work aligns with the National Cancer Control Plan—and more importantly, with the hopes and needs of the Congolese people. As a trusted partner, Roche remains committed to being a catalyst for change.
Join us. Together, we can transform cancer care and build a healthier, more prosperous DRC—for today and generations to come.