Geospatial evaluation of radiologic access in Rwanda.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Radiology
• Public Health
• Geospatial Analysis

Background:

• Post-genocide Rwanda has focused on rebuilding its healthcare system.
• Radiologic resource scarcity remains a significant challenge in Rwanda's healthcare infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current state of radiologic facilities and their accessibility in Rwanda.
• To map the distribution of radiologic equipment using geospatial and population data.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilized data from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali and WorldPop.
• Geospatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Pro software.
• Identified radiologic equipment included MR, CT, PET, radiotherapy, X-ray, mammography, and fluoroscopy machines.

Main Results:

• Fifty-six radiologic facilities were identified across Rwanda.
• The study found fewer than one unit per million people for most modalities, except X-ray (3.9 units/million).
• Specific unit counts per million people: 0.4 MR, 0.5 CT, 0 PET, 0.1 radiotherapy, 3.9 X-ray, 0.4 mammography, 0.4 fluoroscopy.

Conclusions:

• Rwanda exhibits low radiologic access compared to East African neighbors.
• Progress is noted in advanced imaging like CT and MR.
• The findings guide future development of radiologic resources in Rwanda.