This file photo shows a participant asks questions during the Cancer Awareness program in Francistown, Botswana, April 18, 2015. (Xinhua/Shingirai Madondo)
The growing scourge of cancer and other non-communicable diseases present a challenge for Botswana, said Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, Botswana's Minister of Health and Wellness.
GABORONE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- There is a need to strengthen the prevention and healthcare infrastructures to not only reduce morbidity and mortality rates but also the social and economic impact of these conditions, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, Botswana's Minister of Health and Wellness, has said.
The growing scourge of cancer and other non-communicable diseases present a challenge for Botswana, said Dikoloti on Saturday during the official launch of cervical cancer screening campaign at Kopong village, 120-km southwest of the southern African country's capital city, Gaborone.
This file photo shows an expert in cancer awareness delivers his speech during the Cancer Awareness program in Francistown, Botswana, April 18, 2015. (Xinhua/Shingirai Madondo)
Botswana's approach in the fight against cervical cancer emphasizes prevention, leveraging the primary care platform and multi-sectoral participation, early detection and linkage to high quality care for those affected, he said.
"Every life lost to cancer is one too many," said Dikoloti, adding that Botswana is responding with a comprehensive set of measures to address cancers, including cervical cancer.
Since cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, Dikoloti said it is estimated that 1, 400 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Botswana with 70 percent of them being diagnosed late, when there is little chance for cure and treatment.
Botswana has developed the multispectral national strategy that started in 2018 until 2023, which will consolidate and focus country efforts in mitigating the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Furthermore is also committed to providing health services across the country for the prevention, early detection and treatment of various forms of cancer.
