MINISTER of Health Chitalu Chilufya has called for a collective voice against cancer diseases, a burden reported to be on the increase in the country hence pausing a threat to the productivity of Zambians.
And Western Minister, Nathanael Mubukwanu has bemoaned the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the province.
The duo said this during the commemoration of the 2017 World Cancer Day coupled with the Launch of the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 held in Mongu District of Western Province.
Dr. Chilufya said that cancer is beyond a mare medical condition, as it affects the socio-economic, cultural and spiritual well-being of life.
"Just like the rest of the world, Zambia is facing an increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases" said Dr. Chilufya "Non-Communicable Diseases like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancers are increasing as a proportion of the causes of mortality in Zambia.”
The Minister said that WHO estimates that Non-Communicable Diseases accounted for 27% of all deaths in the country of which cancers constituted an important proportion of these has triggered the clarion call for everyone’s involvement embedded in the theme ‘We can, I can’
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) it is estimated that the five most commonly diagnosed cancers in men in 2012 were Kaposi sarcoma, prostate cancer, and cancers of the oesophagus, colorectum, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma while women were cervical, breast, Kaposi sarcoma, and cancers of the oesophagus and coli rectum. (MOH, Cancer Registrations, 2013)
Dr. Chilufya has pledged more support stating that government will continue to ensure that cancer prevention and treatment is prioritized. “We have made tremendous progress in cancer prevention and control as a country”
He said that working with cooperating partners, Government has successfully set up cervical cancer screening clinics in all the 10 provinces. Factors increasing likelihood of developing cancers in Zambia are attributed to among others tobacco use, insufficient activity, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, cancer associated infections and environmental factors.
The minister said prevention can best be achieved through choosing healthy life options such as quitting smoking, keeping physically active and choosing healthy foods and drinks.
Meanwhile, Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu said that cancers of different types are among the top 10 causes of mortality in the province.
"Western Province has a very high HIV prevalence of 16% according to the ZAMPHIA report, making us second to Lusaka which is at 16.1%." He said
Mr. Mubukwano added that the same report revealed that his province has low viral suppression, making it the most infectious province in the country.
He has since called on the Minister of health to employ a special focus on the subject affecting the province.
And the Minister of Health has commissioned the first cancer screening clinic in Senanga District.
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