By Lesnat Kenan
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Charles Chilambula, has urged stakeholders to join hands in fighting against Cancer stating that the country is facing a growing cancer crisis that requires a united response from government partners and individuals.
Chilambula was speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during a press briefing on World Cancer Day.
“We all have a responsibility to act, therefore let’s work together to combat this disease and create a cancer-free Malawi,” he said.
Chilambula said cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Malawi with cervical cancer topping the list followed by esophageal cancer and breast cancer.
He said the ministry is intensifying prevention and treatment efforts with Universal Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) coverage already in place, cervical cancer screening services are available and promoted in health facilities nationwide.
Vice President Jane Ansah recently launched breast cancer awareness and prevention campaign, which highlights the importance of early detection and shows government’s commitment towards the fight against cancer.
World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative to Malawi, Charles Njuguna, appealed to government to prioritise cancer prevention and treatment especially at the primary healthcare level to stop the disease before it demands costly secondary and tertiary care.
World Cancer Day falls on February 4 annually and this year it is being commemorated under the theme “United by Unique” focusing on what it takes to deliver cancer care that truly meets people’s needs.
