International cancer control experts meet staff at the surgery ward of the Mbabane Government Hospital located in Swaziland’s capital, Mbabane. (Photo: A. Juric/IAEA)


Swaziland will expand its cancer services to address the increasing number of cases, which is adding pressure to an already burdened health system. It will act on recent recommendations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address the urgent need for specialist radiologists and the passing of the nuclear law, officials have said.

“Cancer is becoming a major public health concern and Swaziland needs to apply the same diligence in cancer control as in the fight against HIV,” said Sibongile Simelane, Minister of Health. UNAIDS has recently commended the country for its fight against HIV/AIDS. “We will focus our efforts on developing a national cancer control plan, coordinating cancer projects and establishing equity in the delivery of services,” she said. The Ministry of Health recently announced plans to establish a cancer control unit to spearhead the development and implementation of the national plan.

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