ecancermedicalscience

Short Communication

Zambia’s National Cancer Centre response to the COVID-19 pandemic—an opportunity for improved care

28 May 2020
Dorothy C Lombe, Catherine K Mwaba, Susan C Msadabwe, Lewis Banda, Maurice Mwale, George Pupwe, Paul Kamfwa, Mulape Kanduza, Harry Munkupa, Biemba Maliti, Kalyoka Simbeye, Pious Hachizo, Lilie Lin, Elizabeth Chiao, Kennedy Lishimpi

The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health systems around the globe even in countries with strong economies. This is of particular concern for nations with weaker health systems. This article reports the response of a comprehensive cancer centre in a lower-middle income country to prevent COVID-19 transmission and how the implementation of pragmatic strategies have served as a springboard to improve cancer services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategies included establishment of a local taskforce, increased education and facilitation of good hygiene practices, staff training, patient triaging, improved patient scheduling, remote review of patients and establishing a virtual platform for meetings.

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