Uganda reports 36000 fresh cancer cases annually, with only 8,500 to 9,000 patients reaching the Uganda Cancer Institute. A significant number of patients arrive at the Institute in advanced stages of cancer.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness and early detection initiatives.
“Information regarding cancer control, prevention, early screening, and the available services at the cancer institute must be disseminated more effectively. Currently, around 70% of our patients present with stage 3 and 4 diseases, complicating treatment,” stated Dr. Nixon Ninyonzima, the Head of Research and Training at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
One of the persistent challenges the Institute faces is the high patient volume, but plans are in motion to decentralize cancer care services, alleviating the burden on the main institute and improving access to treatment nationwide.
“The Western Uganda Regional Cancer Center in Mbarara is operational, although it is currently functioning at a limited capacity. We renovated the existing structure provided by the hospital, and what excites us is that the Ministry of Finance has secured funding for the remaining three centers. We anticipate that construction will commence in the next financial year. The Mbarara center is funded by the French Government, Arua by the Islamic Development Bank, and Mbale by the Austrian Government,” Ninyonzima added.
Although some Ugandans still opt to seek treatment overseas, the Uganda Cancer Institute asserts that its services have seen notable improvements over the years. The Institute is now equipped to manage the majority of cases within the country. Furthermore, there has been an influx of cancer patients from neighboring countries seeking treatment at the Institute.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, mentioned, “If you had visited us five years ago, the patients coming from abroad represented less than 10% of the total patient population at the UCI. Currently, they account for about 20%. Whenever you stroll around the compound, you will find visitors from Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Congo here for treatment.”
Sudan Nsibirwa, the Managing Director of Nation Media Group, committed to continuing the endeavor of raising cancer awareness through the company’s various media platforms. She expressed that there is significant progress at the UCI that the public may not be aware of, but they will ensure this information reaches the community.
