The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is seeking funding amounting to Shs511 billion as it prepares to embark on the implementation of the Uganda National Cancer Control Plan (UNCP) in early 2025.
Developed by UCI, the UNCP for the period of 2024/25 to 2029/30 is projected to cost Shs670 billion. While the Ugandan government has committed to contributing Shs18 billion, the remaining funds are expected to be sourced from both internal and external donors.
Dr. Noleb Mugisha, the head of the National Cancer Control Secretariat and Community Cancer Services, Research, and Training Directorate at UCI, emphasized the importance of securing funding to alleviate the burden of cancer in Uganda during a quarterly update meeting of the Palliative Care Association of Uganda on February 23.
The comprehensive plan, outlined by Dr. Mugisha, entails allocating $170 million (over Shs670 billion) over five years, with specific yearly allocations: $27.2 million for the first year, $28.9 million for the second, $38.2 million for the third, $34.2 million for the fourth, and $41.6 million for the final year.
“The plan aims to enhance capacity in cancer prevention, early detection, curative and palliative care, as well as survivorship interventions, integrating them into the national health and development agenda,” Dr. Mugisha explained. Additionally, it seeks to foster partnerships, establish cancer surveillance systems, conduct research, set standards, and coordinate interventions across implementing stakeholders.
According to 2020 statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), Uganda recorded 34,008 new cancer cases, resulting in 22,992 deaths. Among the most prevalent types were other types of cancer, cervical cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and breast cancer.
Dr. Mugume emphasized that the implementation of the plan holds the potential to mitigate the rising cancer burden in the country by enhancing early detection services, developing national guidelines, and bolstering human resource capacity for cancer management.
At the same meeting, Dennis Olodi, the executive director of the Uganda Cancer Society, highlighted the importance of engaging patients to understand their preferences and challenges in participating in cancer control activities, including policy engagement. Patients have expressed concerns about the high cost and availability of drugs, especially the expensive ones.
Mark Donald Mwesiga, the Country Director of the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), echoed the call for increased funding to support cancer services across Uganda.
