Northern Ugandan traditional healers, also known as herbalists, are facing criticism for their detrimental role in the fight against cancer, particularly among young patients. Soleterre Uganda representative Adrian Ssali highlighted that many traditional healers administer medication to cancer patients, intending to alleviate discomfort, but ultimately exacerbate their condition.
Speaking at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu city on February 17, 2024, Ssali revealed that 31% of the 306 children with cancer registered in 2023 had succumbed to the disease. Adriani Titi, President of AFRON, an organization funding cancer screening and awareness campaigns in the area, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about cancer and its treatment to ensure timely referrals.
Dr. Geriga Fadhil of the Uganda Cancer Institute expressed concern over the late referrals of cancer patients, noting that many are only referred after their illnesses have significantly worsened. Dr. Martin David Ogwang, Director of St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, identified lymphoma and Wilms tumors as the two cancers most prevalent among youngsters in northern Uganda. Early diagnosis of these cancers is crucial for effective treatment.
Palliative care nurse Clear Lalam shared her distressing experiences of working with children suffering from cancer, describing the psychological toll it takes on her and her colleagues. She highlighted the need for counseling to cope with the challenges they face daily. Leukemias, lymphomas, and brain tumors are the most common cancers affecting children aged 0-14 years old, according to Uganda Cancer Society Executive Director Dr. Dennis Olodi.
Dr. Olodi attributed the high incidence of cancer cases to environmental contamination from various chemicals, along with specific genetic anomalies and exposure to ionizing radiation.
