Issue
Uganda is developing a National Cancer Control Plan to reduce mortality and morbidity attributable to cancer and to improve the quality of life for patients with cancer and their families. However, the adoption and implementation stages of the process are experiencing delays.
Project partners
How we are helping
This project will support processes that will expedite the adoption of the National Cancer Control Plan by advocating at a policy level to increase political will from decision makers and engaging at a local level to generate demand for the adoption of the policy.
About the project
The number of new cancer cases and death rates in Uganda are projected to double by 2040. Of the 34,000 new cases in 2020, more than half are not registered for treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute, either because they were not referred, or cannot reach the treatment centre. Uganda faces several challenges in providing equitable and affordable access to cancer services including limited financial and human resources, lack of data to support decision-making, and overly centralised screening, diagnosis and treatment services.
The 58th World Health Assembly resolution on cancer prevention and control calls on member states to intensify action against cancer by developing and re-enforcing cancer control programs. In response, Uganda is developing a National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) aimed at reducing cancer mortality through the systematic and equitable implementation of evidence-based strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. It provides direction on service decentralisation, national screening programmes and budget allocation.
Project partner Uganda Cancer Society (UCS) has already supported the drafting of the NCCP to its current stage. In this project, UCS will work with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the Ministry of Health Uganda to generate momentum for the adoption and implementation of the NCCP by targeting both policy decision-makers and project beneficiaries.
This will be achieved by:
- Mobilising decision-makers in government through media campaigns and other avenues to increase commitment towards the adoption and implementation of the NCCP.
- Facilitating patient engagement forums and community dialogues (including vulnerable groups) to increase awareness and generate demand for the NCCP.
- Compiling grievances from vulnerable and underserved community groups and using that information for advocacy;
- Organising press conferences and media campaigns to promote the rapid adoption of the NCCP
- Producing a film capturing stories of cancer patients and their experiences in accessing cancer services for use in advocacy efforts to engage with policymakers and in raising public awareness.
As a result of this project, it is anticipated that the adoption of the NCCP will be expedited. It is envisaged that there will be a significant improvement in cancer service delivery resulting from the adoption and funding of the NCCP leading to increased and affordable service accessibility, growing citizen participation and better treatment outcomes.
Project Partners
The Uganda Cancer Society (UCS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary umbrella organisation dedicated to eliminating cancers as a major health problem in Uganda. Members provide treatment and screening services throughout Uganda and include the country's leading cancer experts. UCS has five focus programme areas: advocacy, awareness creation, capacity building, research and patient support. UCS’s goal is to contribute towards the reduction of cancer in Uganda by ensuring increased prioritisation, a more knowledgeable population, efficiency in service delivery, evidence-based interventions and better treatment outcomes for patients.
Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is a public medical care facility in partnership with the Ministry of Health. UCI’s main focus is on research, training, consultation, prevention and cancer treatment in areas of paediatrics, oncology, gynaecology, radiotherapy, surgery, pharmacy and bone marrow transplants. UCI also offers palliative care and rehabilitation services.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is a government body set up with the mandate of stewardship and leadership of the health sector. MOH is responsible for policy review and development, supervision of health sector activities, formulation and dialogue with health development partners, strategic planning, setting standards and quality assurance, resource mobilisation, advising other Ministries, departments and agencies on health-related matters, and ensuring quality, health equity, and fairness in contribution towards the cost of health care.
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