Africa-Press – Lesotho. His Majesty King Letsie III says the current cancer situation in Lesotho perpetuates multiple health problems posing a big challenge to the country’s growth as they consume resources that would otherwise be directed to developmental programs.
He raised this concern as he launched the 12th stop cervical, breast and prostate cancers in Africa conference and exhibition (SCCA) was held at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre for three days last week.
The conference which is attended by the First Ladies from African Continent commenced last week Monday and ended on Wednesday the same week. It was themed: “Making difference in women, men and children’s lives: Access to Medicines, Diagnostics, Treatment and Palliative Care for Cancers in Africa.
He pointed out that according to findings by various sources; cervical cancer is a big problem in Lesotho and the second most common in women between ages of 15 and 44, with approximately 312 cases diagnosed annually.
Something which he said badly impacts on families and the nation at large. One of the outstanding challenges contributing to the crisis he said is still lack of appropriate facilities used for the diagnosis of the disease, which would enable patients to be treated at an early stage.
“We have been transferring our cancer patients to medical facilities in our neighboring country; South Africa at a very high cost.
“At average, our annual referral is 900 patients, costing the country M20 million, a burden which our tax payers can hardly afford,” said the King.
He went on to cite that the conference would provide a platform of engagement for all stakeholders and sharing of ideas and best practices on how best cancer could be fought in all forms and manifestations as well as other health challenges.
Amid the cancer challenge, he said his government was striving to establish a cancer center in Lesotho as to mitigate the challenges. He said in the meantime, the efforts are being made to collaborate with other countries with capacity to fight cancer.
His Majesty mentioned that the first contingent of cancer patients has left to India for treatment and thanked the Indian government for the initiative.
“As Lesotho seeks to establish prevention and treatment for cancer, a need for both human and financial resources stands blurry and as a result, we call upon all our international partners to join hands with us in mobilizing resources and support in this battle,” he pleaded.
The King went on to commend Lesotho’s First Lady Mrs ‘Maesaiah Thabane for her continued efforts in fighting cancer in the country. He applauded her for her countrywide campaign that preceded the conference. A campaign which was meant to raise awareness amongst Basotho of the disease and encourage them to test for it.
