The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is seeking $60 million (approximately Shs227.8 billion) to establish three regional cancer centers in Mbale, Mbarara, and Arua. Dr. Jackson Orem, the UCI executive director, emphasized the need for these centers to address challenges in accessing cancer care and reduce cancer-related deaths in the country.
Dr. Orem stated that the infrastructure for each regional cancer center would require an average of $20 million (Shs76 billion) to set up. Additionally, funding for drugs and human resources would be necessary for the functionalization of these centers.
The establishment of these centers aims to improve access to cancer care, particularly in regions where access is limited. Currently, only 23 percent of new cancer cases in Uganda make it to designated treatment centers. Limited access to care centers, poverty, low awareness about cancer, and insufficient referrals from lower health facilities contribute to this low rate of access.
Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, the head of research and training at UCI, highlighted that around 34,000 new cancer cases occur in Uganda annually, with approximately 21,300 cancer-related deaths. The government’s plan to establish standalone cancer centers, separate from existing facilities like the one in Mbarara, is part of efforts to decentralize cancer services and improve accessibility.
Dennis Olodi, executive director of the Uganda Cancer Society (UCS), emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in accessing care and dispelling misconceptions about cancer’s curability. He highlighted the role of civil society organizations in providing support services such as palliative care and promoting awareness about cancer detection and treatment.
Dr. Orem reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging the gap in cancer care and prevention by decentralizing services and establishing regional cancer centers.
