CANCER BATTLE RAVES

ZAMBIA has recorded tremendous progress in cancer prevention and control through heightened screening and early diagnosis, Ministry of Health has revealed.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Health Services Permanent Secretary Dr. Jabbin Mulwanda said that the country is slowly meeting targets for prevention of cancer through increased health promotion. He said this during the official opening of the First Cancer Control Consultative Meeting in Lusaka.

Dr. Chilufya further revealed that Zambia is experiencing a high burden of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) with significant consequences on morbidity and mortality.

The Minister noted that Non Communicable Diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus (type II), and cancers are increasing as a proportion of causes of mortality in the country.

“Tobacco is another big preventive cause of cancer.” He added “stopping smoking makes a huge positive impact on the life of an individual, their families, friends and the community. The benefits of cessation of Tobacco smoking includes life expectancy and improved quality of life”

Zambia launched the 2016 to 2021 National Strategic Plan at the commemoration of the 2017 World Cancer Day on February 4, in Mongu, Western Province hence the consultative meeting hinging on the objectives of strengthening awareness coordination and linkages of cancer control prevention and management, resource mobilization, governance and dialogue for technical working groups was convened.

Government is slated to establish screening clinics in all the remaining districts following the successful establishment and operationalization of 53 screening clinics in the country. The target of 25 clinics are earmarked for opening in 2017.

He said that over 350,000 women have been screened for cervical cancer and over 50,000 treated for pre-cancerous cervical lesions since the programme started in 2006. In addition over 400 health workers have been trained in cervical cancer screening countrywide.

Government has also completed the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination demonstration project in which close to 50,000 adolescent girls were fully vaccinated against the virus, opening the way to in-cooperate HPV vaccination into the routine immunization programme.
Government has also sourced for US $25 Million for the construction of cancer centres at Ndola and Livingstone Central Hospitals as starting point for the target of at least one centre in each of the 10 provinces.

(Reported by Andrew H. PHIRI: MoH 2017; Picture by Wezy Simbeye)