The East African Gazette
Kampala.
The Executive Director for Uganda Cancer Institute, Dr. Jackson Orem has said Uganda will join the rest of the World in celebrating the cancer month of February under the theme “compels stakeholders to do more to expand care and treatment to strengthen ongoing interventions, among others”.
Dr. Orem made the remarks during a press conference at the Uganda Media Center 5 February 2024 in Kampala
Dir. Orem said the World Cancer Day is held every 4 February and the International Childhood Cancer Day held every 15th February. He said these two days are very important to take stock of what has been achieved and view the existing gaps as well as commitment.
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“By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalyzing personal, collective and government action. We are all working together to see that millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved, access to life-saving cancer treatment and care for all” he said.
Current Status of Cancer in Uganda the burden is increasing globally, with about 56% as new cases and 70% of all cancer related mortality.
Uganda has 34,005 new cases of cancer every year (GLOBOCAN 2020) and 20% (7400 in 2021) as new cancer cases are supported by the Uganda Cancer Institute.
He was concerned that over 27,000 Ugandans do not access cancer care services they still fear to come for treatment.
He alluded that the government of Uganda through the Uganda Cancer Institute is making investments to expand access to world class cancer care.
Uganda Cancer Institute – Mulago Campus, the government has embarked on expansion of in-patient infrastructure that will see bed capacity of the UCI increased to 350 beds, he said.
The machines and equipment have been purchased like the 3 high end Linear accelerators to support radiotherapy, a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan as part of the upcoming 2 nuclear medicine facility, he said.
The Institute has expanded diagnostic facilities by modernization of the laboratory and technology imaging divisions which are boosted by highly qualified personnel and high-end equipment.
With the support from 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 the creation of regional cancer centers in Arua, Gulu Mbale and Mbarara.
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The goal of these centers is to improve access to cancer care services from the current 20% to 85% by 2025/26. at the Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Center started operations and is yet to fully operationalize.
The other three centers are operating at small capacity but expected to expand in the near future. The Government of Uganda through the Uganda Cancer Institute is striving to make world class cancer care available to every Uganda where they live.
We are running free cancer awareness screening clinics to ensure early detection and early treatment under the Community Cancer Services, he said.
“Any gaps in cancer care are closed and survival is improved and through CSO and Uganda Cancer Society has been actively addressing the care gap for cancer patients through a series of impactful. More than 45 civil society organizations have placed a significant emphasis on raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, demystifying myths and misconceptions “ he pointed out.
He said they have implemented community outreach programs to serve underserved populations, providing crucial screening services and facilitating access to healthcare facilities. Recognizing the multifaceted needs of cancer patients and their families, the Uganda Cancer Society offers a 3 range of support services.
Some of the services provided
These include counseling, providing free accommodation, meals and transport to patients who need them, especially those from upcountry, and palliative care, among others. UCS also through its membership supports research to inform interventions in the country.
This is because data generation aids planning in the country. Research has not only informed planning but also advocacy.
He explained that through collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, they aim to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and build the capacity of healthcare professionals in cancer diagnosis, and palliative care.
“We remain dedicated to closing the care gap and improving outcomes for all individuals affected by cancer. We strive to make meaningful progress in the fight against cancer so that every patient receives the care they deserve.
He added that “We thank the Government of Uganda through the UCI and the Ministry of Health for and collaboration to CSO under Uganda Cancer Society”.
He revealed they pledge to continue engaging the government in the spirit of ensuring meaningful interventions attain the ministry’s goal of a healthy and productive population.
About the Uganda Cancer Institute Uganda Cancer Institute
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This is a leading government entity dedicated to advancing cancer care and promoting excellence in patient care. We strive to foster collaborations, share knowledge, and drive innovation to shape the future of cancer care in Uganda and beyond.
The UCI currently comprises five campuses, the Uganda Cancer Institute – Mulago Campus, which is the East African Regional Centre of Excellence in Cancer Care, Research and Training; UCI Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Centre (GULU), UCI Western Uganda 4 Regional Cancer Centre (Mbarara), UCI Eastern Uganda Regional Cancer Centre (Mbale) and UCI West-Nile Uganda Regional Cancer Centre (Arua).
Collaborative to provide access to cancer care services for Ugandans.
The Uganda Cancer Society (UCS) is supported by more than 45 Civil Society Organizations [CSOs] that play a key part within the cancer control continuum. These range from service delivery, raising awareness, advocacy with policymakers, patient empowerment, monitoring progress and engaging in research.
The UCS’s growing mandate since its founding in 2011, seeks to hold policymakers accountable and shape health services to better respond to people’s needs, particularly for underserved and hard-to-reach populations to improve cancer control services.