By MONICA KAYOMBO,Zambia Lusaka,
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its determination to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services in Zambia following the handover of information technology equipment under the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Project.
Speaking yesterday during the handover ceremony, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Kennedy Lishimpi said lung cancer continues to pose a growing public health challenge both globally and locally, despite the number of confirmed cases in Zambia remaining comparatively low.
Dr. Lishimpi noted that many lung cancer cases are not detected early because symptoms often resemble those of other respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis, coupled with limited diagnostic capacity in some health facilities.
“Lung cancer remains one of the most serious forms of cancer worldwide, and Zambia is not exempt from this burden. The challenge we face is that many cases are diagnosed late due to limited awareness and diagnostic constraints,” Dr. Lishimpi said.
He stressed that government is intensifying efforts aimed at improving cancer care services across the country through expanded screening programmes, strengthened referral systems and enhanced training for healthcare personnel in oncology.
“We are committed to improving cancer screening services, strengthening diagnostic capacity and ensuring that our healthcare workers are adequately equipped with the skills required to manage cancer cases effectively,” he said.
Dr. Lishimpi further said the integration of digital tools into the health sector will help improve disease surveillance, patient management and the overall coordination of healthcare services.
And Access Health Zambia Chief Executive officer Batuke Walusiku Mwewa said the donated laptops and tablets, valued at more than K275,000, will significantly improve data management and reporting systems in health facilities implementing the project.
Mrs Mwewa said the equipment will support healthcare workers in capturing timely and accurate information, thereby strengthening coordination and monitoring of cancer-related interventions.
“The digital equipment being handed over today will play a critical role in improving reporting systems and coordination among healthcare workers, especially in facilities implementing cancer control activities,” she said.
She added that the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Project, being implemented by Access to Health Zambia in partnership with ZAMBART and with support from Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, has continued to register notable progress since its launch in September 2024.
Mrs. Mwewa disclosed that more than 39,000 people have so far received health education on lung, cervical, prostate and breast cancer through the initiative.
She said the programme has also reached over 6,000 households through community outreach activities aimed at promoting awareness, early detection and access to treatment services.
Meanwhile, Access to Health Zambia revealed that the development of comprehensive National Lung Cancer Management Guidelines is at an advanced stage.
The guidelines are expected to provide a standardized national framework for lung cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, as Zambia moves to strengthen its response to non-communicable diseases.
Health experts have continued to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and public awareness in reducing cancer-related deaths, with government and cooperating partners now pushing for stronger community-based interventions and improved access to specialized care.
Dr Kennedy Lishimpi
