Upon completion, the Nsambya Hospital Cancer Unit will become a national regional centre that will serve the central region. Prof Charles Olweny, the chairman of the Uganda Cancer Institute says the facility will go a long way in reducing the congestion at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
The construction of the long-awaited cancer radiotherapy bankers at Nsambya hospital is set to start next month, thanks to a series of fundraising drives led by Rotarians in Uganda.
The construction of the banker is budgeted to cost 4 billion Shillings. So far Rotary has been able to collect 2.3 billion Shillings, which has been generated from four cancer runs. Steven Mwanje, the Chairman of the Uganda Rotary Cancer Programme says this will now be used to facilitate the construction of the basement and first floor of the building of the centre.
According to the humanitarian organisation that's funding the construction of the banker and procurement of two linear accelerator radiotherapy machines, the construction will last for one year. The revelation was made today during the launch of the 10th cancer run in Kampala.
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The bankers will be an addition to the cancer ward at the hospital that too was constructed using funds from cancer runs. Upon completion, the Nsambya Hospital Cancer Unit will become a national regional centre that will serve the central region. Prof Charles Olweny, the chairman of the Uganda Cancer Institute says the facility will go a long way in reducing the congestion at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
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According to UCI, the centre will have a budget whose funds will be released through the institute.
Cancer is the third most common cause of death in the entire world accounting for more than five million deaths annually. In 2018, an estimated 9.5 million people globally succumbed to the disease. In Uganda, the figure stood at over 21,000. The most common form of cancer in the country include cervical cancer, prostate, breast and Kaposis sarcoma.
To fight cancer in Uganda, Centenary Bank, one of the Rotary partners for the cancer run has pledged to contribute more through its foundation to help address other cancers. A sum equivalent to 2.3 billion Shillings has been set aside in the foundation to address such causes. The Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Fabian Kasi says the money will go towards helping the country address new cancers.
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This year's run due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be virtual and will last ten days in commemoration of ten years of running. The main run will take place on August 29, 2021. Persons interested in participating can do so in their homes or localities.
Pamela Mawanda
Freelancer