LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The much-awaited Cancer Center at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) is expected to be in full operation in early 2024 whereby radiotherapy services will be offered at the site.
Deputy Health Minister Halima Daud told the two-day Malawi’s 5th Cancer Symposium underway in the capital Lilongwe that preparation for the official full operationalization of the facility is at an advanced stage.
UNC Project has organized the symposium from September 6 to 7, 2023, under the theme, “Close the Care Gap”, the call to unite our voices and take action”.
Daud disclosed that the ministry is building capacity for the personnel who work at the cancer center for quality service delivery.
“Although we had a few challenges in continuing with bunker construction at the Cancer Center at Kamuzu Central Hospital, I’m pleased to inform you that the construction is now underway and on course for completion by the end of this year. Six Bunkers are being constructed namely; four radiotherapy bunkers and two brachytherapy bunkers. All factors being equal, we are optimistic that by early next year in 2024, the radiotherapy services at Kamuzu Central Hospital will be commissioned.
“In terms of capacity building towards cancer services, we have conducted several trainings and recruitments in preparation for the full operation of the Cancer Center. For example, since 2018 more than 42 health workers have been trained in various cancer disciplines such as medical physics, oncology, and pharmacology,” says Daud.
She added, “You may also wish to know that more than 64 technical staff (nurses, oncologists, pharmacists, and others.) have been recruited for cancer care.
“As we are speaking, a good number of technical staff at Cancer Center are being attached to various hospitals abroad in readiness for the opening of the radiotherapy services at the site”.
Daud disclosed further on cancer management updates in Malawi, “The Human Papillomavirus (DNA) testing has now been rolled out to 10 districts and the plan is to expand this testing modality across the country as a sure way to diagnose and treat HPV infections with the aim of reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.
“In addition, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has now been integrated into the National Extended Program of Immunization (EPI) schedules and the coverage has been good despite the impact of COVID-19 on our services in
general”.
In her remarks, WHO Resident Representative in Malawi, Dr. Neema Kimambo expects the government to invest much in the health sector to save costs in addressing various diseases including cancer.
Dr. Kimambo says good infrastructure and human resources must be always on the government’s agenda towards uplifting citizenry lives.
UNC Project Malawi Cancer Program’s Co-Director Tamiwe Tomoka says during the symposium key stakeholders will present on issues related to cancer strategy, care, advocacy, and research in Malawi, including current challenges, future priorities, and opportunities to work together across organizations.
“Although initiatives to improve the lives, care, and outcomes of those living with cancer in Malawi are
growing, the burden of cancer in Malawi continues to be a major public health concern.
“This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Susan C. Msadabwe-Chikuni, a Clinical and Radiation Oncologist at the Cancer Diseases Hospital, the only radiation therapy facility in Zambia. Dr. Msadabwe is the Head of Clinical Care and manages
clinical, research, and training at the hospital,” says Tomoka.
The symposium has attracted both local and international health experts to address challenges bordering cancer.
Cancers contribute to 48% of NCD premature death in Malawi.
However, the most common top five cancers among adults in Malawi include the following; Kaposi sarcoma (34%), Cervical cancer (25%), Esophageal cancer (12%), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (6%), and Urinary bladder cancer (3%).
Therefore, among children, the top five common cancers include; Burkitt’s lymphoma, Acute leukemia, Wilms tumor (cancer of the kidneys) Retinoblastoma, and Kaposi sarcoma.
Ministry had purposefully developed both a National Cancer Control Strategy (2019-2029) and the Cervical Cancer Operational Plan (2022-2026) to coordinate cancer interventions in Malawi as guiding documents for cancer activity implementation.