ZANOCODA Chairperson Professor Fastone Mathew Goma calls for urgent action on ‘Cancer Control’ in Zambia
Professor Fastone Mathew Goma
Zambia Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (ZANOCODA)
Plot 25004, Manna Mall Area,
Libala South,
Tel: +260979441781 / +260973389618
Press Release
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Lusaka, Zambia
ZANOCODA Calls for Urgent Action on Cancer Control in Zambia
- World Cancer Day 2026 – Theme: “United by Unique”
Ahead of World Cancer Day being commemorated on Wednesday 4th February, 2026, the Zambia Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (ZANOCODA) released a landmark policy brief highlighting the urgent need to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment, and governance in Zambia, beyond today- Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026.
Cancer is now a leading cause of premature death in Zambia, with over 15,000 new cases and nearly 10,000 deaths annually.
The most common cancers include cervical, breast, prostate, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and liver cancer. Despite progress, Zambia faces persistent gaps: centralised services, underfunding, workforce shortages, fragile infrastructure, and weak risk-factor control.
“Every cancer journey is unique, and Zambia must act ‘United by Unique’ to ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment,” said ZANOCODA Chairperson Professor Fastone Mathew Goma. “We call on government, parliament, donors, and civil society to prioritise cancer control as a national health and development priority.”
Key Recommendations from the Policy Brief:
• Enact and enforce comprehensive Tobacco Control Legislation in line with WHO FCTC.
• Promote healthy food environments and regulate ultra-processed food marketing.
• Strengthen prevention and early detection through HPV and hepatitis B vaccination, and cervical screening.
• Improve access to treatment by decentralizing oncology services and investing in radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Build human resource capacity with more oncologists, nurses, and radiographers.
• Enhance data and research by strengthening the Zambia National Cancer
Registry.
• Increase financing and partnerships to meet the NCCSP target of 5% of the health budget for cancer.
ZANOCODA emphasises that tobacco use alone causes thousands of deaths annually and costs Zambia ZMW 2.8 billion per year, while rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks is fuelling obesity and cancer risk.
On World Cancer Day 2026, ZANOCODA urges all stakeholders to unite in delivering cancer care that meets the diverse needs of every Zambian.
Contact:
Albert Muloboka Phiri,
Zambia Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (ZANOCODA) Media Liaison Coordinator,
Phone: +260 973389618
