President Hichilema: Zambia has Expanded Cancer Care Capacity

President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the reopening of radiotherapy services at Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital, marking the country’s return to advanced cancer treatment after more than five years. He said the US$31 million upgrade, financed entirely from domestic resources, positions Zambia alongside South Africa and Egypt as one of the few African nations with such technology.

The Head of State said the development as part of a broader plan to make Zambia a regional hub for cancer diagnosis and treatment. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to healthcare investment despite limited resources, announcing that new cancer hospitals are under construction in Ndola and Livingstone, alongside plans for a Medical Tourism City near Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Civil society groups welcomed the breakthrough. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe stressed that women, who account for most cancer cases,will now have faster access to care. She noted the refurbished equipment can handle up to 60 patients daily, easing delays and cutting costs for families. “No woman should be denied timely and quality healthcare because of her location or economic status,” she said.

Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Lishimpi explained that nearly 1,000 patients had been left in limbo since radiotherapy services halted in 2020, with about 600 referred to India for treatment. The remainder will now be managed locally.

German Ambassador Soenke Siemon described the project as a boost to Zambia’s specialised healthcare capacity, commending collaboration with Siemens Healthineers.