The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has revealed that it has acquired more equipment to enhance the treatment of the increasing number of cancer patients in Uganda.
Cancer is a growing global health challenge, especially for low- and middle-income countries. In Uganda, about 34,005 new cancer cases are estimated to occur every year, but only 20% of them get care at the UCI, leaving the rest of the Ugandans without access to vital cancer care services.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the executive director, spoke to the media in Kampala about the efforts to decentralize cancer care, stressing the importance of setting up regional cancer centers to close the care gap in the country.
“The UCI-Mulago campus is undergoing a major expansion, thanks to the Ugandan government’s active investment in enlarging cancer care infrastructure through the UCI. The bed capacity will increase to 350 and the equipment will be upgraded, including three linear accelerators for radiotherapy, and improved diagnostic facilities,” Dr. Orem said.
The institute is also building a multipurpose research and training facility, which will include bone marrow transplant facilities, clinics, and research spaces.
Dr. Orem highlighted the decentralization efforts with the establishment of regional cancer centres in Arua, Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara, aiming to increase access from 20% to 85% by 2025/26.
“The government has also embarked on the expansion of in-patient infrastructure at the Uganda Cancer Institute Mulago campus, obtaining key machines and equipment such as three high-end linear accelerators and a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan for the upcoming nuclear medicine facility,” he added.
The Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Center has started operations, while the other three centers are functioning at a lower capacity but are expected to grow soon.
Dr. Orem expressed the government’s dedication to making world-class cancer care available to all Ugandans, pointing out the provision of free cancer awareness screening clinics under the Community Cancer Services.
They have also implemented extensive awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and essential screening services to reach underserved populations.
Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, the head of the research and training department, announced the completion of the constitution of the Northern Regional Cancer Centre in Gulu, hoping for its full functionality in the current financial year.
They are also planning to construct the Eastern Regional Cancer Centre in Mbale and to operate the Western Region Cancer Centre in Mbarara at full capacity. The construction of the Eastern Regional Cancer Centre will begin in July of this year.
