By ANDREW PHIRI
MINISTRY of Health has eulogized eight
oncology champions for displaying distinguished service, outstanding performance
and commitment to the fight against cancer.
The country has further committed to improving cancer services
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya flanked by his two permanent secretaries; Dr Kennedy Malama for Technical Services and Ms Kakulubelwa Mulalelo for Administration conveyed gratitude to the team as their contribution in the health sector has improved service delivery.
He noted the need to recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves in the provision of cancer care services at the second commemoration of the National Cancer Palliative Care Conference tagged: ‘from Vision to practice, towards Coordinated Cancer Services’ held virtually from 12 to 14 August 2020.
“It is my expectation that these awards are going to
become a biannual event to encourage leadership and good governance in cancer
control and also encourage health workers to do more in the fields so as to
benefit society” Dr Chilufya announced
Described as a guiding figure in cancer care services
in Zambia, Cancer Control Services Director Dr Kennedy Lishimpi has been recognised for his leadership in the
development of cancer control services in Zambia despite difficult
circumstances. He is instrumental in the development of the Hospital strategic
plan, plans of expansion of the Cancer Diseases Hospital, the National Cancer
Control Strategic plan and decentralization of radiotherapy services.
In recognising Dr Sharon Kapambwe for ‘Excellence in
Oncology,’ the minister noted her self-sacrifice and dedication as a leader
in the field of public health and in particular cervical cancer prevention. She
is well known in the screening and prevention programs which has expanded across
the country with successful integration into the HIV/AIDS program.
On the global front, she is a Council Member for the Global Health Department at George W. Bush Institute and Advisory Board Member and faculty for the CanScreen5 project at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, member of the WHO Global Guidelines Development Group for cervical cancer screening among others.
She has co-authored various articles in peer reviewed journals especially on cervical cancer screening in Zambia and serves as the Medical Women’s Association of Zambia (MWAZ) president.
Awarded for her ‘Innovative Leadership in Oncology Training and Research Award’ Dr. Susan Citonje Msadabwe has been awarded for the development and implementation of specialist training as the first director of the college of clinical and radiation oncologists of the Zambia Colleges of Medicine and Surgery. The current specialist training program under her leadership has attracted international students from within Africa as well as beyond.
Her collaborative nature has attracted leading
international institutions to collaborate with the program. She serves as a
member on the African Organisation of Research and Training committee and
serves as a member of the African Cancer coalition chairing the adaption of Clinical
guidelines in Gynaecologic Cancer to the sub-Saharan African region.
She has spearheaded the establishment of the first
ever clinical database for breast and cervical cancer patients at the Cancer
Diseases Hospital’ a platform for future research. She has co-authored numerous
scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.
Dr Catherine Mwaba has been acknowledged for her ‘Outstanding
Clinical Oncology Service Delivery & Practice Award’ as a clinical leader
who has dedicated her life to patient care and ensuring that quality assurance
processes are available within the service delivery model for cancer patients
to be seen with international standards and guidelines.
She is also an accomplished cancer researcher with
regional collaboration activities that encourage on building a cancer service
for not only Zambia but Africa
The Minister euroligised Cancer Diseases Hospital
Seniour Medical Superintendent Dr Lewis Banda for the ‘Distinguished Service in Oncology’ having dedicated his life to
treating patients and learning and teaching the art of oncology. He has
exceptional clinical skills and now developing his administrative skills for
hospital management.
In awarding Professors Mulindi Mwanahamuntu and Groesbeck
Parham for their ‘Exceptional Leadership
in Cancer Prevention Award’ the minister said the duo have been instrumental in
developing the cervical cancer prevention program.
They are co-founders of the Cervical Cancer
Prevention Program in Zambia, a nurse-led cervical cancer prevention
program that led to policy change that resulted in Zambia becoming the first
country to receive PEPFAR-funding for cervical cancer screening of HIV-infected
women.
The two conceptualized and implemented Village-based Screening, designed and obtained funding for the first pilot study of Human Papilloma Vaccination (HPV) for adolescent girls in Zambia.
