UCI and DRC Collaborate to Establish State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment Centre in Kivu
The Uganda Cancer Institute is collaborating with the Democratic Republic of Congo to establish a new cancer treatment centre in Kivu, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes through shared knowledge and resources.
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is expanding its reach beyond Uganda’s borders through a strategic collaboration with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre in the Kivu region.
This initiative follows a recent visit by a delegation from L’Hôpital Général de Référence (HGR) Charité Maternelle, led by Dr. Jude Kafitiye.
The partnership seeks to address the critical need for accessible cancer care in the DRC, where specialized treatment options have been limited. The new centre is expected to provide essential services, including diagnosis, treatment, and patient support, significantly improving the availability and quality of cancer care in Kivu.
In a statement issued on September 2, 2024, Dr. Joyce Balagadde, a consultant paediatric oncologist at UCI, emphasized that through this collaboration, they aim to bring life-saving cancer treatments closer to the people of Kivu, “offering hope and improving health outcomes for children.”
The overarching goal is to share knowledge, build capacity, and create sustainable healthcare solutions for cancer patients in the region.
The Uganda Cancer Institute annually receives between 7,000 to 8,000 cancer cases, treating patients from various countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Eritrea, and Nigeria.
This comprehensive initiative includes the training of healthcare professionals, the establishment of standardized treatment protocols, and the development of necessary infrastructure and equipment.
UCI will work closely with HGR Charité Maternelle to ensure that the new centre is fully equipped to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
Dr. Kafitiye, who led the Congolese delegation, remarked that the partnership with UCI would bring essential cancer treatment services to their community, saving lives and alleviating the burden of traveling long distances for care.
As the partnership between UCI and the DRC takes shape, there is growing anticipation that this collaboration will not only enhance the lives of those affected by cancer in Kivu but will also set the stage for future cross-border healthcare initiatives in Africa.
