Aga Khan University Hospital has renewed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s fight against cancer, with expanded access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment services among its key priorities.
The hospital, which recently established operations in Nakawa, says it aims to strengthen cancer healthcare services at a time when Uganda continues to face a growing cancer burden.
According to figures shared during the hospital’s cancer awareness and media engagement meeting, Uganda records about 35,000 new cancer cases annually, while an estimated 24,629 people die from the disease every year.
Speaking during the engagement, Dianah Ssewanyana, the operations manager at Aga Khan University Hospital Kampala, described the cancer situation in Uganda as worrying and said the institution is determined to contribute towards addressing the challenge.
“We want people to have access to cancer treatment and diagnosis at subsidised rates. People should stop the narrative that the Aga Khan is for rich people. It is not true. It is for everyone,” Ssewanyana said.
She said the hospital has launched a public sensitisation campaign aimed at increasing awareness about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.
“We are ready to support the government in any possible way. I strongly appeal to the public to embrace early cancer screening, especially for common cancers such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Early screening is one of the best ways we can reduce cancer cases in the country,” she added.
Ssewanyana also revealed that the hospital plans to extend cancer services to other regions across the country, including the Ankole sub-region, in a move aimed at improving access to care.
Dr Deo Ssenkumba, an oncologist at the hospital, told journalists that several behavioural and social factors continue to contribute to the rise in cancer cases.
He cited early sexual activity among young girls, multiple sexual partners, commercial sex work, and poverty as some of the factors increasing cancer risks.
Dr Ssenkumba said women are currently more affected by certain cancers than men, although many of the risk factors are preventable through behavioural change, regular screening, and public awareness.
Currently, Aga Khan University Hospital provides cancer screening and treatment services to patients in Kampala.
