Cancer, blood disorders professionals launch body

A professional body bringing together medical personnel working to fight blood disorders and cancers has been launched during an event held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala under the theme ‘a new chapter for hematology and oncology society of Uganda’.

While speaking at the launch, Jane Ruth Aceng the Minister of health hailed the occasion as a significant milestone in the country's health sector.

“As a country, we recognise that we can’t fight these diseases alone. We need strong partnerships, evidence-based interventions and a committed network of experts to improve early detection, treatment outcomes and patient support systems,” Aceng remarked.

She hailed the society for creating a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity building among oncologists, haematologists, pharmacists, nurses, other health care professionals and policy makers.

The Executive Director of Uganda Cancer Institute Dr. Jackson Orem remarked that the complexity of cancer care and management required a strong body like the just formed association, especially at a time when the counry is attempting to rollout comprehensive national cancer control program as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Speaking at the event, Prof Charles Olweny a professor of medicine specialising in oncology and also the Chancellor to Mbarara University of Science and Technology suggested the new society to engage Rotary International’s Uganda Chapter on their annual Cancer runs, and provide data and insight to ensure it is more impactful as compared to the last couple of years.

Clara Odhiambo, a surgical oncologist from St Francis Nsambya Hospital urged cancer care institutions not to attempt to ‘monopolise cancer care’, now that there is a soxiety in place.

She hinted on the continued need for collaboration, to benefit patients and their caregivers first, rather than the institutions.