Health Minister ALEX KATAKWE has launched the construction of a Cancer Diseases Hospital in Livingstone at a cost of 422 million kwacha.
Dr. KATAKWE says the project is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. KATAKWE disclosed that the hospital will have a 70-bed capacity and will be equipped with modern technology to provide comprehensive cancer care services.
He said Zambia continues to face a significant cancer burden, with about 15,300 new cases and 9,700 deaths recorded each year.
The Minister said cervical cancer remains the most prevalent at 24 per cent, followed by Kaposi’s sarcoma at 16 per cent, prostate cancer at 11 per cent, and breast cancer at 7 per cent.
Dr. KATAKWE described the figures as worrying and expressed concern over rising cases of throat cancer, especially among young people, which he linked largely to certain sexual practices, including oral sex.
He warned that exposure to harmful behaviours and substances is increasing vulnerability to infections that may lead to cancer.
Dr. KATAKWE said the new facility in Livingstone will help decentralise cancer care, ease congestion at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, and bring critical services closer to people in Southern and Western Provinces.
Meanwhile, Livingstone Member of Parliament and Tourism Minister RODNEY SIKUMBA said the hospital will not only improve healthcare services but also boost medical tourism and create employment opportunities.
And Chief MUKUNI of Kazungula District said cancer cases are increasing and claiming the lives of both citizens and traditional leaders.
The traditional leader further said the new hospital will help ease the burden through early detection.
New Cancer Hospital for Livingstone
