BY DK SEBUNYA: UCI Receives Cancer Equipment Worth UGX 400 Million from KOFIH.The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has received a significant boost in its fight against cancer with the donation of cancer screening equipment worth UGX 400 million from the Korean Foundation for International Health Care (KOFIH).
This donation comes at a crucial time for Uganda as it grapples with a high burden of cancer, particularly cervical cancer among women. While receiving the equipment, Dr. James Chakachon, representing the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the support from South Korea targets various cancer interventions in Uganda, specifically aiming to increase access to screening for eligible women.
“Despite efforts, only 23 percent of the targeted women aged 25 to 49 have been screened for cervical cancer, according to a Ministry of Health survey. The donated equipment will help bridge this gap, enabling more women to be screened and ensuring early detection and treatment for those affected.” he explained.
Martin Origa, head of the gynecology department at UCI, highlighted the importance of early detection, stating that cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Uganda. However, when detected early, it has a cure rate of 100 percent. “KOFIH’s donation also includes training for health workers in diagnosing cervical cancer at an early stage, further enhancing treatment outcomes,” he added.
He revealed that the donation from KOFIH has come along with the training of health workers including doctors, nurses, clinical officers, in the last two months in diagnosing cervical cancer at an early stage so that it can be treated and cured, but also health center in charge and the records personnel for the proper use and management of the equipment.
The equipment donated includes a portable ultrasound scan for imaging during community mobile cancer screenings, as well as speculums and spotlights used for visualizing and treating cervical abnormalities.
Evelyn Nakamoga, a senior radiographer at the cancer institute, explained that the addition of portable ultrasound equipment will enhance the services provided by the cancer screening van during fieldwork, allowing for radiography services during community cancer screenings.
“The cancer screening van used for field work can do mammography to detect breast cancer but with the addition of the portable ultrasound equipment donated we shall be able to also provide radiography service during community cancer screening,” she said.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the director of Uganda Cancer Institute, announced that with these new equipment, UCI plans to initiate aggressive cancer screening drives in various regional centers, starting with Mbarara, followed by Arua, Gulu, and Mbale in the future.
Dohoon Kim, the country director of KOFIH, reiterated the longstanding partnership between Uganda and South Korea, spanning over 60 years. He affirmed his government’s commitment to continue supporting Uganda’s healthcare sector across various fields, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges.
Dohoon says this donations is part of the of the bigger project worth USD 3 million, that was pledged by KOFIH, alongside other annual donations.
“We already pledged USD 3 millions for only this project, but in Uganda annually we give USD 2 millions. And this particular project, is to last for the next three years, and cervical cancer is its pilot phase, and there is hope to spread out after the first phase,” explains the country director.