MINISTRY OF HEALTH, UGANDA CANCER INSTITUTE, AND KOFIH STRENGTHEN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING SERVICES IN UGANDA.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in Uganda and continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related illness and death among women. The high burden of this disease underscores the urgent need to strengthen early detection, prevention, and treatment services as part of the country’s broader commitment to reducing the impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on public health.

In pursuit of this goal, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) is implementing the National Cancer Management and Capacity Building Project in Uganda (CANCAP UG), The project aims to enhance national capacity for cancer prevention and control through improved infrastructure, strengthened health workers’ skills, and expanded access to quality screening and treatment services.

Through this intervention, cervical cancer screening services have been established in 20 health facilities across Kampala City, Mbarara City, and Mbarara District. To further strengthen the continuity and quality of these services, KOFIH has provided additional equipment and essential consumables for use in the designated facilities.

The Ministry of Health and the Uganda Cancer Institute will officially deliver and hand over the items according to the following schedule:

Mbarara City Headquarters: November 6, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.

Mbarara District Headquarters: November 6, 2025 – 12:00 noon

Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital: November 7, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.

Kampala Capital City Authority (City Hall): November 12, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.

Leaders Commend Strengthened Partnership.

Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, Head of Research and Training at the Uganda Cancer Institute, said:

“This partnership with KOFIH and the Ministry of Health represents a critical step toward early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. By expanding screening services and strengthening local capacity, we are giving women a better chance at surviving and thriving.”

Mr. Dohoon Kim, Country Director, Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), remarked:

“Our commitment to Uganda’s cancer control efforts is rooted in partnership and sustainability. These supplies and equipment are meant to ensure continuity of quality services, especially in underserved areas.” The Mbarara District Chairperson, said:

“We welcome this support as a timely intervention for our communities. Cervical cancer affects many women silently, and this initiative will help us detect cases earlier and save more lives.”

The Mayor of Mbarara City added:

“Urban and rural women alike deserve access to reliable cancer screening. We thank UCI, KOFIH, and the Ministry of Health for choosing Mbarara as one of the hubs for this life-saving service.”

The Mbarara District Health Officer (DHO) emphasized:

“These resources will greatly improve our ability to deliver quality screening and follow-up care. We are committed to ensuring that this equipment is used effectively for the benefit of our people.”

This initiative marks another significant step in Uganda’s efforts to ensure that women across the country have access to life-saving cancer prevention and screening services.