Uganda join the rest of the world to commemorate the February world cancer month. The commemoration in Uganda is being led by Uganda cancer institute in collaboration with civil society organisations under the Uganda cancer society umbrella. The theme for this year is close the care Gap. This theme compels stakeholders to do more to expand care and treatment as well as join hands to strengthen ongoing interventions, among others.
During this Month, two important days are commemorated. The World Day held every 4 February and the International Childhood Cancer Day held every 15th February.
According Executive Director for Cancer Institute Dr Jackson Orem, says the burden of Cancer is increasing globally, and it is estimated that 56% of all new Cancer cases and 70% of all Cancer related mortality is in LMICs. It is estimated that Uganda has 34,005 new cases every year ( GLOBOCAN 2020).of these an estimated 20%(7400 in 2021) of new Cancer cases make it to the Uganda cancer institute for care. Over 27,000 Uganda do not access cancer Care services.
Dr Orem said, the government of Uganda through the Uganda Cancer Institute is making investments to expand access to world class cancer care.
At the Uganda Cancer Institute – Mulago Campus, the government has embarked on expansion of in-patient infrastructure that will see bed capacity of the UCI increasing to 350 beds.
She said, number of key machines and equipment have been purchased such as 3 high end linear accelerators to support radiotherapy,a single photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan as part of the upcoming nuclear medicine facility. The Institute has expanded diagnostics facilities through modernization of the laboratory and the oncology imaging divisions which boast of highly qualified personnel and high-end equipment.
With support of the African Development Bank, the UCI is also establishing a multipurpose research and training facility that will house a number of facilities including a 3T MRI, bone marrow transplant facilities, clinics and other patient care, training and research facilities
In addition, the government of Uganda has embarked on decentralization of cancer Care in Uganda with creation of regional cancer center in Arua,Gulu Mbale and Mbarara. The goal of these centers is to improve access to cancer Care services from the current 20% to 85% by 20225/26.
The Northern Uganda Regional cancer center started operation and is yet to fully operationlize.
By mugula dan @namunyetoday.com