Malawi set to launch first ever cancer treatment guidelines

Malawi is set to launch its first ever cancer treatment guidelines that provide an overview for screening, early diagnosis, treatment and palliation priority

In an interview on the sidelines of the third Kamuzu University of Health Sciences KUHES research dissemination conference in Blantyre Dr Sam Meja editor in the guidelines development committee said the document has been developed in order to harmonize cancer care in all medical facilities that provide the service

Dr Meja said cancer is one of the high burden diseases under non-communicable diseases as such needs much attention

He however expressed worry that implementation of the guidelines might be faced with hiccups due to absence of facilities to help treat the disease

Dr Meja recommends use of images in cancer screening adding that research shows that only 13 percent of eligible girls have received any dose of HPV vaccine since enrolment in 2019

In an interview partners in health coordinator for research Pericles Kalande says his organisation research of 2023 in districts of Balaka, Machinga and Nkhatabay indicated that only 41 percent of girls had received the vaccine

“Myths and misconception on safety of the girls after receiving the vaccine is among the factors contributing to hesitancy among parents to get their girls vaccinated,” Kalande

Kalande suggests improving knowledge gaps among girls and parents to enhance uptake

Meanwhile, Zomba central hospital is leading with esophageal cancer cases