MANZINI GOVT HOSPITAL DECLARED CANCER TREATMENT CENTRE

MANZINI – With over 1 108 patients diagnosed with cancer each year, the designation of Manzini Government Hospital as a comprehensive cancer treatment centre brings hope to many. Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini made the announcement in a press statement issued yesterday afternoon before jetting off to Mozambique, where he will represent His Majesty King Mswati III at the inauguration of Mozambican President Daniel Chapo. According to the Ministry of Health, there has been an emergence of 28 types of cancer diagnosed among the country’s population in the past two years. Cancer is defined as a class of diseases in which a group of cells exhibit uncontrolled growth, leading to the invasion and destruction of adjacent tissues, and sometimes spreading to other locations in the body via lymph or blood. While most cancers form a tumour (growth), some, such as leukaemia, do not.

Recognised

The National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy indicates that cancer is now recognised globally as one of the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is reported that cancers, following cardiovascular diseases, contribute to over 7.9 million deaths (13 per cent of total global mortality) each year, with projections suggesting this figure may rise to nearly 10 million unless the issue is adequately addressed. The Ministry of Health recently reported that the highest number of cancer cases was recorded in cervical cancer among women and prostate cancer among men. The overall number of new cancer cases diagnosed among women was said to be twice that of men, indicating that women are more vulnerable, with a 16 per cent risk of developing cancer compared to a 10 per cent risk among men.

The PM noted that government has observed a concerning rise in the incidence of NCDs, such as cancer, kidney failure, diabetes and hypertension, particularly through the country’s health surveillance system. He stated that over 1 000 new cancer diagnoses are made each year, including cases of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. While government established cancer screening and chemotherapy services in 2015, which significantly improved early diagnosis, the country does not currently offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options.
“However, the government has developed a plan to roll out radiotherapy services and has designated Manzini Government Hospital as a comprehensive cancer treatment centre,” the PM said. He added that radiotherapy is a crucial component in the successful treatment of many cancers and asserted that government is taking significant steps to address this gap. He pointed out that building and equipping such a facility will require both time and specialised expertise.

To demonstrate government’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive cancer treatment centre, the PM mentioned that they have also developed a Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Bill with the participation of international partners and the private sector. He noted that the Bill has already been tabled in Parliament and, after thorough consideration, will soon be passed into law. According to the premier, the law will regulate the use of nuclear technology within the country to ensure it meets rigorous safety standards. Emphasised He emphasised that the need for radiotherapy services in the Kingdom of Eswatini has reached an urgent level, with many patients currently seeking treatment in neighbouring countries, where the high costs of foreign treatment are often prohibitive.

“By expanding radiotherapy options, we can ensure broader access to essential care and reduce reliance on costly overseas treatments,” the PM added. He further urged and encouraged private sector entities with the means to venture into offering radiotherapy treatment and services to ensure universal access. Regarding the law to regulate nuclear technology within the country and ensure it meets safety standards, the PM stated that while Parliament reviews the Bill, those seeking to offer these services must adhere strictly to international safety standards. Moreover, the PM assured the nation that government remains committed to collaborating with the private sector in this critical endeavour to ensure that all emaSwati have access to comprehensive cancer treatment.

He stated that this initiative would allow families in Eswatini to care for their loved ones without the need to travel abroad, fostering closer family support during treatment. The transition of the Manzini Government Hospital to a comprehensive cancer treatment centre follows government’s report in August that E20 million had been set aside for radiotherapy. When making the announcement on August 4, 2024, Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula said the funds had been secured for this fiscal year for the construction of the radiotherapy facility.
This announcement occurred during the launch of the country’s programme framework for 2024–2029 and the commissioning of the IAEA IMPACT Review Mission. Radiotherapy or radiation therapy, is a cancer treatment utilising high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. This treatment may be used in the early stages of cancer or after it has started to spread.

Ensure

He asserted that this facility aims to ensure all cancer services are provided locally, thereby reducing the costs associated with transferring cancer patients to neighbouring countries.
Additionally, the minister stated that the number of diagnosed cancer cases has increased annually, remaining above 1 000 new cases over the past few years. The National Cancer Registry reported 28 types of cancer diagnosed in the last two years. Matsebula reiterated the ministry’s recognition of NCDs, including cancer, as a priority. The minister said having successfully controlled NCDs such as HIV/AIDS and TB over the past 20 years, the country has seen the emergence of NCDs like cancer, hypertension and diabetes, raising concerns for the health sector.

He emphasised that controlling cancer requires an ‘all hands on deck’ approach involving all government sectors, civil society and the private sector and development agencies.
Matsebula said improving cancer surveillance and registration systems through the National Cancer Registry and introducing HPV vaccination for young girls in 2023 aims to prevent HPV infections, which have contributed to the high incidence of cervical cancer among women.

Illnesses

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Susan Tembo, indicated that cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related illnesses and deaths.
She reported that a total of 700 000 deaths were recorded on the African continent, with approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases in 2020 alone. Dr Tembo cautioned that urgent measures need to be taken; otherwise, cancer mortality in the region is projected to reach about one million deaths per year by 2030. She noted that around 50 per cent of new cancer cases among adults in Africa are attributed to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers. Additionally, she anticipated that in 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa would exceed the global average of 30 per cent, attributing this to survival rates in the WHO African Region currently averaging 12 per cent, compared to over 80 per cent in high-income countries.

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