Uganda Cancer Institute extends expertise to DRC

2 September 2024, 11:13 am

By Annet Nakato

The Uganda Cancer Institute is assisting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in establishing a cancer treatment centre in the Kivu region, which will improve cancer care for people in the DRC.

The new centre will diagnose and treat patients, support them throughout their care, train healthcare workers, and install essential equipment. The Uganda Cancer Institute is collaborating with a hospital in the DRC to ensure that the centre provides high-quality care.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve cancer care across Africa, where many people lack access to adequate treatment. The new centre is expected to have a significant impact in the Kivu region and could inspire similar projects elsewhere.

Dr Joyce Balagadde, a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at the Uganda Cancer Institute, noted that this collaboration brings life-saving cancer treatments closer to the people of Kivu, offering hope and improving health outcomes for children.

By working closely with the team at Hôpital Général de Référence Charité Maternelle, the Uganda Cancer Institute will help ensure that the new centre is equipped to provide high-quality, patient-centred care. Dr Jules Kafitiye, who led the delegation, stated that this is a step forward for healthcare in the Kivu region. By partnering with the Uganda Cancer Institute, the region is making significant progress towards better healthcare.

The collaboration reflects a broader commitment to improving cancer care across Africa, where access to early diagnosis and effective treatment remains a critical challenge. The establishment of the cancer treatment centre in Kivu is expected to be a transformative development for the region, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the continent.