Koreans hand UCI cancer equipment worth sh400 million

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has received cancer screening equipment worth Shillings 400 million, thanks to The Korean Foundation for International Health Care (KOFIH). This donation is particularly significant as Uganda faces a considerable burden of cancer, especially cervical cancer among women.

Dr. James Chakachon, from the Ministry of Health’s Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, emphasized that South Korea’s support aims to enhance Uganda’s cancer interventions and provide eligible women with screening opportunities.

He highlighted that only 23 percent of the targeted women aged 25 to 49 years have undergone cervical cancer screening according to a Ministry of Health survey. With the donated equipment, Dr. Chakachon expressed confidence in bridging this gap, enabling more women to undergo screening and ensuring early detection and treatment for those with the disease.

Martin Origa, Head of the Gynecology Department at the Uganda Cancer Institute, underscored cervical cancer as the leading cause of death among women in Uganda. However, he emphasized that early detection can result in a 100 percent cure rate.

He noted that along with the equipment donation, KOFIH has provided training to health workers over the past two months in diagnosing cervical cancer early for effective treatment. Among the equipment donated are a portable ultrasound scan for imaging during community mobile cancer screening, speculums for cervix treatment, and spotlights for visualization during screening.

Evelyn Nakamoga, a senior radiographer at the Cancer Institute, mentioned that with the addition of portable ultrasound equipment, the cancer screening van used for fieldwork can now offer radiography services during community cancer screening, including mammography for breast cancer detection.

Dr. Jackson Orem, the Director of Uganda Cancer Institute, revealed plans to initiate cancer screening drives in Mbarara, followed by Arua, Gulu, Mbale, and other regional centers with the donated machines.

Dohoon Kim, the Country Director of KOFIH, highlighted the longstanding partnership between Uganda and the Korean government, spanning over 60 years. He affirmed his government’s commitment to continuing support for Uganda’s health across various fields.

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