With expertise in research, training medics in cancer surgery among other diseases using technology, the centre will be the first of its kind in Africa.

The establishment of the Centre in Kigali was announced by IRCAD France President, Prof. Jacques Marescaux during his visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre on Tuesday.

“We are here because we are also preparing to establish a centre of excellence in research and surgery with the aim of saving people’s lives. We expect to construct the centre in Kigali, but, it will serve all Africans,” he said.

Prof. Marescaux said that the centre will not be the first to be constructed as there are different centres constructed in France, Asia, South America and Africa is the next.

In Rwanda and the whole Africa experts from the institute used to come and provide temporary training.

The institute is expected to be constructed at Masaka, Kicukiro District around the place where University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) is set to relocate to.

Materials for construction activities will cost over $7 million and will come from IRCAD France whereas the plot will be provided by the Government of Rwanda.

No commencement date has been revealed as discussions between the Government of Rwanda and IRCAD France are still underway.

The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Malick Kayumba said that the institute will be constructed for the whole Africa and will help Rwandan medics to improve skills about treating cancer and will raise awareness among cancer patients who need to travel abroad for medication.

In July 2017, the Ministry of Health announced that they had entered in partnership with IRCAD France with an aim of providing ‘Micro invasive surgery training’ to Rwandan medics.

IRCAD France President, Prof. Jacques Marescaux and his delegation lay wreaths at Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

IRCAD France President, Prof. Jacques Marescaux and the delegation tour different parts of the memorial

IRCAD France President, Prof. Jacques Marescaux speaks to the Media