Strengthening Breast Cancer Care in Uganda and Zambia: Stories from the Frontline
6 December 2024
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of travelling to Uganda and Zambia alongside two distinguished professors and breast cancer surgeons – Jerome Pereira, expert in blended learning(1) from Blended Learning UK (BLUK), and Dick Rainsbury, representing the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS); as part of our efforts at Global Health Partnerships (GHP) to improve breast cancer care. It was an intense, eye-opening, and at times emotional experience, but one that left me deeply inspired and hopeful about the work ahead.
The trip was part of our Sanofi-funded breast cancer care project, and the goal was clear: to listen, learn, and lay the groundwork for what’s next. What struck me most was the sheer determination of the people we met; health workers, policymakers, community leaders, all working tirelessly, often against the odds, to make a difference.
From Cancer Centres to Community Health Workers: A Journey Across the Spectrum
Our trip took us from bustling national cancer centres like the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala and the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) in Lusaka, to primary health facilities where community health workers (CHWs) are the unsung heroes of healthcare delivery. These CHWs, armed with limited resources but boundless passion, are the lifeline for so many communities.
We spent time speaking with everyone; doctors, nurses, policymakers, and CHWs who, in this context, volunteer their time to educate their communities about health. Their insights were invaluable, not just for shaping our project but for understanding the real human stories behind the statistics.
Training and Collaboration: The Heart of the Project
One of the highlights of the visit was discussing our cascade training model, which will roll out in 2025. Here’s how it works:
- Master Trainers will receive advanced training, learning from experts like the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and Blended Learning UK (BLUK).
- These Master Trainers will then train Primary Health Workers (PHWs), equipping them with the skills to perform clinical breast exams and support early detection.
- Finally, PHWs will train CHWs, who’ll take the message to the grassroots, raising awareness, encouraging self-examinations, and connecting people with care.
It’s a bit like passing a torch, each person lighting the way for the next. Seeing the enthusiasm of the trainers and trainees was incredibly uplifting.
Reality Check: The Challenges We Face
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. We heard stories of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses because patients often see the disease as a death sentence or turn to traditional healers instead of seeking medical care. Resources are stretched thin, and myths about breast cancer abound. But there’s also hope.
In Uganda, we learned how well-established cervical cancer programmes could be adapted to include breast cancer care. In Zambia, CHWs are already using their trusted positions in the community to spread health messages; something we can build on.
Meeting the GHP Zambia and Uganda Teams: From Screens to Smiles
One of the most rewarding moments of this trip was finally meeting my colleagues from the GHP Zambia and Uganda teams in person. After a long time of working together remotely, collaborating through countless emails and virtual meetings, seeing them face-to-face felt incredibly special. Whether it was Muleba and her team in Zambia or Sheba and her team in Uganda, each person brought unique insights and a relentless drive to ensure the project succeeds.
There were also some lighter moments that added to the experience. One memorable highlight was when Sheena, a colleague in Zambia, took me out in Lusaka to try a local meal called Nshima, made from corn. Sitting on the streets, enjoying this traditional dish, and sharing stories was a perfect reminder of the importance of cultural connection in global health.
This provided an opportunity to share laughs, stories, and meals together, strengthening our bond. It reminded me that while technology can bridge distances, nothing beats the power of human connection.
A Memorable Stop at Chaminuka Lodge
Amidst the hard work, we found a little time to breathe. Our stop at Chaminuka Lodge in Zambia was the perfect opportunity to connect with nature. From a game drive where we spotted lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, antelopes, and many other incredible animals, to horse riding and an absolutely divine food buffet, it was a welcome moment to reflect on the week.
What’s Next?
As we look to 2025, the plan is to:
- Finalise a training manual, roll out Master Trainer courses and implement the cascade training plan.
- Launch awareness campaigns tailored to the needs of local communities.
- Work with Ministries of Health to ensure the project aligns with national priorities.
- Set up robust data systems to measure progress and improve care delivery.
Celebrating Health Partnership success!
Upon returning from my trip in November 2024, I was thrilled to learn that our partners — Blended Learning UK, the Association of Breast Surgery, along with the University of East Anglia — were awarded the prestigious Gold Award for “Best Online Distance Learning Programme” at the Learning Technologies Gala Awards.
The award, for innovative healthcare education and training programmes, was based on their work improving breast cancer care, for “the global impact of blended learning on Breast Surgery Training”. There were 360 entries from 30 countries competing for these highly prestigious awards.
Blended Learning UK commented “We’re very proud of this achievement as we were up against some very high-profile organisations, and we look forward to applying our experience in creating a successful blended learning programme for this ongoing project.”
A Final Reflection
This trip reminded me why we do what we do at GHP. Yes, there are challenges, but there’s also incredible resilience, innovation, and a willingness to collaborate. From a CHW running awareness sessions in her village to a policymaker crafting strategies at the national level, it’s a collective effort.
Together, we’re working to ensure that breast cancer care isn’t a luxury but a reality for everyone – no matter where they live.
I’m incredibly grateful to all the amazing people we met in Uganda and Zambia, and to our partners: Sanofi, ABS, BLUK, Ministries of Health and the Cancer Hospitals, for their unwavering support. Onwards and upwards!
(1)https://blendedlearninguk.com/
0 Comments
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published.