GOV’T PRIDES IN ‘ONCOLOGY’ CHAMPS

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.