Busoga Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with organizations and individuals to combat the growing burden of cancer particularly among women.
Deputy Prime Minister Hajji Noor Ahmed Osman told the gathering at the 7th Annual Women’s Cancer Run, organized by Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja (RHHJ).
Hajji Osman who led a group of 5km walkers emphasized the significance of collective action in raising awareness about cervical and breast cancer, which disproportionately affect women in the Busoga sub-region.
He applauded RHHJ for their tireless efforts which has seen more than 900 women having received treatment for precancerous or cancerous lessions.
He encouraged the people of Busoga to always engage in physical exercises as ways of avoiding the contraction of non communicable diseases.
“These activities not only raise awareness and funds but also promote physical well-being by strengthening immune systems and helping prevent lifestyle diseases,”Osman stated.
Sylvia Nakami, the Executive Director of Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja, said that many women patients arrive at their facility in late stages of cervical and breast cancer, limiting treatment options to palliative care.
However RHHJ has made significant strides in screening and treating women, with over 14,500 women screened and 930 treated for precancerous or cancerous lesions in Buyende and Namayingo districts.
The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro emphasized the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against cancer.
According to Dr. Olaro, cervical cancer claims approximately 2,160 women’s lives annually in Uganda, despite being preventable through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
Breast cancer is also a significant concern, with over 3,000 women diagnosed every year, and more than 50% of these cases being diagnosed at stage III or IV.
However, with early detection and timely treatment, Dr Charles Olaro said up to 90% of breast cancers are curable.
Dr Miriam Ajambo who heads the Palliative Care and Hospice Services Division in the Department of Clinical Services told the crowd that the Ministry of Health has implemented strategies to combat cervical cancer, including HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 years, which aims to reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 60-70%.
She urged parents, schools, ad community to embrace the various interventions rolled out by the government and partners like civil society organizations to step up awareness campaigns on cancer.
Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at screening at least 50,000 women this October through community forums, free screening camps, and educational webinars.
“Early detection is our strongest weapon against breast cancer. We urge every Ugandan, especially women at risk, to take action now, your life could depend on it,” Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, said.
With over 4,000 new breast cancer cases reported annually, Uganda is stepping up its fight against this deadly disease.