Zambia: 'I Became Protective' - A Cancer Survivor's Fight to Fix Zambia's Health System

Karen Nakawala, a Zambian broadcaster and cervical cancer survivor, became protective after her own cancer diagnosis in 2019. The trauma of her experience, coupled with the realization of gaps in the healthcare system, pushed her to become an advocate for cancer prevention and treatment. She founded the Teal Sisters Foundation, a platform that has grown to over 137,000 members, providing women with a safe space to share their experiences and access information on cervical cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.

Despite progress, Zambia remains burdened by the third-highest cervical cancer rate in the WHO African Region. The reopening of the radiotherapy and imaging unit at Lusaka's Cancer Diseases Hospital, upgraded by President Hakainde Hichilema in 2026, is a significant step towards addressing this issue. The new facility can now treat up to 60 patients a day, providing a crucial service to patients who previously had to seek care abroad, often incurring substantial financial costs and facing long waiting periods.

Nakawala emphasized the importance of receiving treatment close to home, allowing patients to be surrounded by loved ones and reducing isolation during treatment. However, she stressed that while the reopening marks a positive step, the government must ensure a solid plan for servicing and reinvesting in the unit to maintain optimal operation and benefits for both the government and patients.