By Chisomo Phiri
President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera says his administration is currently implementing the National Cancer Control Plan that among others,will enable that every cancer patient should be treated within the country by 2030.
Chakwera said this on Tuesday at the official opening of the International Blantyre Cancer Centre(IBCC).
“Currently, we are implementing the National Cancer Control Plan, intending to ensure that by 2030, every cancer patient receives treatment here in Malawi.
“Reaching this far, the construction of Cancer Centre in Lilongwe is at an advanced stage, with all materials already purchased and by September of this year, the centre will be operational,” said Chakwera.
The President, therefore, commended collaborative efforts of government agencies, international partners and other organizations for ensuring that the vision for Malawi to have cancer centres are being fulfilled.
He acknowledged the longstanding challenges Malawi has faced in combating cancer from limited resources to outdated treatment facilities.
In Malawi, 17,000 cancer cases are diagnosed every year and about 12,000 people die of the disease every year.
