First Lady urges easy accessible to cancer care services

First Lady Esther Lungu says there is need to make more affordable and easily accessible cancer care services in order to save the lives being lost at a high rate.

Mrs. Lungu says Cancer has become an increasing cause of death in the country hence the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in the fight against the disease.

Speaking during the launch of the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia Mama Kankasa Gift of Health initiative in Lusaka last evening, Mrs. Lungu has urged members of the public especially women to go for cancer testing to reduce deaths resulting from Cancer.

Mrs. Lungu says the Mama Kankasa Gift of Health initiative, which is designed to support women’s health especially cervical cancer screening, demonstrates how important it is to invest in the health of the women.

And freedom fighter Mama Chibesa Kankasa says the health initiative which is named in his honour is aimed at increasing access to reproductive health, cervical cancer screening, maternal and child health services.

And Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia Executive Director Edford Mutuma disclosed that globally Zambia currently has the highest mortality rate from cervical cancer at 38.6 deaths per 100, 000 and 4th highest rate of cervical cancer incidence at 50 per 100, 000.

He says while various actions are being implemented, more action is needed if the country is to reduce, if not eliminate deaths from these cancers in the shortest possible time.

Mr Mutuma says PPAZ is targeting 5,000 women who will benefit from Mama Kankasa Gift of Health initiative.