Ministry of Health Senior Cancer Prevention Officer Samuel Sichamba has called for the translation of cancer material into more local languages.

Speaking ahead of the cancer awareness week which falls on February 4th, Mr Sichamba said the translated materials have only been translated into a few languages, including Nyanja, Tonga, and Bemba.

Zambia will join the global community in observing World Cancer Day on February 4, 2025, which will be launched in Kapiri Mposhi, Central Province.

Senior Cancer Prevention Officer Samuel Sichamba emphasizes the significance of raising awareness about cancer, particularly in rural areas where information and resources are scarce.

Mr Sichamba says the biggest challenge in Zambia is the lack of access to information and cancer screening services in rural areas.

“The challenges are more prominent in the rural areas because information might not be available to them compared to urban areas,” Mr Sichamba said.

Therefore, he stated that his office has produced a number of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material which have been sent to the districts, however he indicated that they are not enough.

Meanwhile, Mr Sichamba mentioned that last year’s cancer awareness event in Southern Province’s Choma district was well received, with many people attending.

He said he hopes for a similar turnout this year.

Mr Sichamba calls upon the media to help disseminate cancer awareness information, stressing the importance of collaboration in the fight against cancer.

Lastly, he said as Zambia observes World Cancer Day, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by rural communities.

This international day, supported by the Union for International Cancer Control, aims to raise awareness about cancer.