Malawi expands cancer treatment services
Kamuzu Central Hospital registered over 2,100 new cancer patients last year, offering chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Malawi has increased access to specialised cancer care at the National Cancer Centre in Lilongwe, offering surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Previously, patients needing these services often travelled abroad for treatment. Health Secretary Benson Chisamile stated on Thursday that the country has improved cancer services despite challenges like late diagnosis and unequal access.
The centre registered over 2,100 new patients in 2025, with more than 1,600 receiving chemotherapy and over 600 receiving radiotherapy. KCH Director General Amos Msekandiana noted that many patients still present late due to limited awareness and diagnostic delays. He highlighted a need for more oncologists, nurses, and technicians to strengthen services.
Msekandiana also called for an independent National Cancer Institute to support training, research, and policy, potentially positioning Malawi as a medical tourism destination. He stressed that cancer care extends beyond medication, requiring psychosocial support for patients coping with the physical and psychological effects of the disease.
Why it mattersMalawians with cancer can now access surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy locally, reducing the need for expensive overseas treatment.