Addressing Cervical Cancer in Uganda
Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Uganda, particularly among women. It is the leading cause of cancer-related illness and death for females in the country. Health experts emphasize that without early detection and timely treatment, the disease continues to silently claim thousands of lives annually. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need to strengthen prevention and care services across the nation.
In a major development, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), has launched the National Cancer Management and Capacity Building Project in Uganda (CANCAP UG). This initiative aims to enhance the country’s capacity for cancer prevention and control by improving infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and expanding access to quality screening and treatment services—especially for cervical cancer, which is largely preventable if detected early.
As part of this project, cervical cancer screening services have been introduced in 20 health facilities located in Kampala City, Mbarara City, and Mbarara District. To ensure the sustainability and quality of these services, KOFIH has provided additional medical equipment and essential supplies to support ongoing efforts in these facilities.
The official handover of the equipment will occur at the following locations and times:
- Mbarara City Headquarters– November 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
- Mbarara District Headquarters– November 6, 2025, at 12:00 noon
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital– November 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
- Kampala Capital City Authority (City Hall)– November 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Nixon Niyonzima, Head of Research and Training at the Uganda Cancer Institute, praised the collaboration as a significant step forward in the fight against cervical cancer.
“This partnership with KOFIH and the Ministry of Health represents a critical step toward early detection and prevention of cervical cancer,” he said. “By expanding screening services and strengthening local capacity, we are improving access to early detection, giving women a better chance at surviving and thriving.”
From the Korean side, Eunhyeok Lee, the Program Manager at KOFIH, reiterated their long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s cancer control programs.
“Our commitment to Uganda’s cancer control efforts is rooted in partnership and sustainability,” he noted. “These supplies and equipment are meant to ensure continuity of quality services, especially in underserved areas.”
Local leaders in Mbarara District also welcomed the intervention, calling it timely and life-saving.
“Cervical cancer affects many women silently, and this initiative will help us detect cases earlier and save more lives,” a district representative said.
The District Health Officer (DHO) added:
“These resources will greatly improve our ability to deliver quality screening and follow-up care. We are committed to ensuring that this equipment is used effectively for the benefit of our people.”