Zambia’s zeal for Cancer Care: UICC and MD Anderson held an in-country workshop

The workshop brought together 15 international and 30 local participants with the common goal of advancing cancer care in Zambia. 

The focus was to conduct a training needs-assessment while offering both theoretical lectures and visits to in- and out-patients by MD Anderson and affiliates’ staff. The presence of Zambia’s Ministry of Health personnel further reinforced the government’s commitment to tackling cancer, with the country’s National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) soon to be finalised.

The workshop ended with the establishment of a three year training programme which involves a combination of fellowships, in-country workshops and tele-mentoring to support Zambian healthcare professionals. Particular emphasis will be given to pathology, early diagnostic, surgical oncology and radiology. “This is a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable and impactful advanced cancer care in the country and is the result of our continuous effort to convene members and partners, and encourage new collaborations” said Riccardo Lampariello, Education and Training Head for UICC.

Participants were from the Cancer Disease Hospital of Lusaka, MD Anderson and its affiliates, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute (US), Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon (PRRR) and UICC.