Dr. George Boka, Member of Parliament for Obongi District and a member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, has stressed the importance of a government-wide approach to addressing cancer prevention and control in Uganda. He believes that all ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments must work together to combat cancer risks in the country. To achieve this, there are calls for public-private, civil society, and community partnerships to help prevent, treat, care for, and support those affected by cancer.
In an interview with this news website, Dr. Boka explained that responding to cancer requires a multi-level approach, starting with the establishment of an enabling legal and regulatory framework of laws. Additionally, a national strategy for the prevention and control of cancer needs to be developed, with clear direction for the government and partners to prevent, detect, and provide appropriate treatment and care for those affected by cancer.
He said to achieve this, a strong national cancer prevention and management structure led by the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Cancer Institute needs to be put in place, adding that Planning and financing are essential pillars for cancer prevention and control, and the government and partners must plan, budget, and mobilize sufficient and necessary resources for the prevention, treatment, and care of cancer in Uganda. Infrastructure is crucial, and appropriate equipment must be put in place at every healthcare system level.
Dr. Boka also highlighted the need for a sufficient number of trained healthcare workers who can provide cancer information and appropriately treat cancer at the primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels.
To address the increasing number of cancer cases in Uganda, the Uganda Cancer Institute recently launched a five-year strategic plan that aims to forecast, plan, procure, distribute, prescribe, and ensure the rational use of anti-cancer medicines in Uganda. The plan also focuses on quality assurance in service delivery, with a minimum cancer care package to be provided at various levels of the healthcare system.
Dr. George explains that the Public Health Amendments Act and the Uganda Cancer Institute Act address issues related to cancer. However, there are still laws that require review and amendment. One such area is the ownership and stewardship of the National Cancer Program, which is currently being provided by the Uganda Cancer Institute.
He further explained that as members of the Health Committee of Parliament, they would like the ownership of the program to be transferred to the Ministry of Health headquarters, so that it can be considered like any other disease program, with a program management structure, staff, and resources committed to it. This would allow for policy oversight, strategic direction, standards, and resources and ensure quality assurance and monitoring and managing partnerships and coordination. This would broaden the financing base and help address the increasing number of cancer cases in Uganda.
Dr. Boka also stressed the need for the National Health Insurance Scheme to be fast-tracked to mobilize extra resources for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Some of the most common types of cancer in Uganda include cancer of the cervix, prostate gland, and liver, which are associated with infections like hepatitis and aflatoxin poisoning in people who eat contaminated food.
