| dc.description.abstract | Zambia is currently experiencing a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with significant consequences on morbidity and mortality. Among the four NCDs, cancer has had significant morbidity and mortality, especially cancers that affect women. This document presents the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan (NCCSP) 2016-2021. It presents the national strategic framework for the management and control of cervical, breast, and prostate cancers, and retinoblastoma in Zambia 2016-2021. The document is aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health. On the national level, the document is aligned to the 7th National Development Plan and the National Health Strategic Plan 2016-2021.
Tremendous achievements and gains have been scored under cancer management, but there are still challenges, such as:
1. Insufficient human resources and infrastructures to meet country-wide demand 2. Low awareness levels of risk factors and health-seeking behaviours among the general public 3. Inadequate surveillance and research to respond to the increasing incidence of NCDs 4. Poorly supported referral system of both patients and specimens
PROCESS: The NCCSP was developed through a highly consultative process involving key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The process included the following phases: preliminary data collection and analysis, strategic planning workshops, preparation of the draft plan, review, and approval. Implementation of this plan will ensure continued progress towards reducing cancer mortality by one-third by 2030.
SITUATION ANALYSIS: The burden of cancers in Zambia is increasing with significant impact on morbidity and mortality rates. The most common cancers in Zambia in adults are cervical cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer, while in children the most common cancers are leukaemia, Wilms tumour, lymphoma, and retinoblastoma. Many cancers are associated with lifestyle, such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol and substance abuse, and tobacco use, while other cancers have an infectious etiology.
MAIN GOAL: The main goal is to reduce NCD-associated mortality in Zambia by one-third by 2030 and to attain the other eight targets listed in the Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs (GAP, 2013-2020).
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STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS: These strategic directions are based on a holistic, system-wide approach using the “Six Health System Building Blocks” framework. The strategic plan has prioritised four cancers (breast, cervical, prostate, and retinoblastoma) that, if controlled, would collectively reduce the morbidity from cancer by about one-half. The main objective is to expand access to cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and care for these prioritised cancers. Each objective has specific objectives and key strategies which have been translated into activities to guide the implementation of this plan.
This NCCSP is designed to address gaps of cancer management and strives to engage all stakeholders and key players. It also endeavours to engage communities in the implementation of cancer diseases activities through a well-coordinated and formulated framework. With the NCCSP now in place, we look forward to greater opportunities to improve services of cancer management and reduce incidence and mortality. This can only be achieved through prudent management of available resources, use of innovative technology, and consistent implementation of cancer-related activities.
Government and stakeholders in cancer prevention and control need to adhere to this useful plan as it is a communication and implementation guide to ensure that the goals and objectives are attained. | en |
