Zambia: Acting District Health Director for the Chinsali District, Chrispin Chibale, is concerned over the lack of response to prostate screenings. The regular screenings are important to keep a check on the health of the people, especially men.
Prostate screenings are known to benefit the people of the country and help in the early diagnosis of the infection. District Health Director Chrispin Chibale is worried about poor response to prostate cancer screening among men.
As a result of the situation, cancer screening clinics in the district are becoming dormant.
According to Dr Chibale most prostate cancer screening clinics in the district and the province are dormant. They are recording zero to one client per month.
Dr Chibale made these remarks during the World Cancer Day. The Chinsali District Hospital was launching the Screening, Prevention and Counseling segment at their grounds.
“It has come to our attention that men shun prostate cancer screening, what do you fear? We have specialised officers to screen you and give advice,” he states.
He also acknowledged that the statistics of women going for cancer screening are also too low as per the population of the district.
The situation is making the healthcare stakeholders of the country worried.
Chinsali District Social Welfare Officer Iness Chibesa also addressed the worrying situation. She said her department is collaborating with the Ministry of Health in addressing cancer.
Chibesa stated that the government, through her department, supports cancer patients with transport, upkeep, and manageable medicine as prescribed by doctors.
“We want to ensure we support your adherence to medication for the well-being of your health, hence providing transport to the vulnerable with medical conditions,” she said.
Further, Chinsali District Commissioner Samson Muchemwa emphasised the need to engage men in prostate cancer screening.
The District Commissioner also expressed worry that men do not respond quickly to matters of health prevention but instead wait until the condition worsens.
Muchemwa thanked the Ministry of Health for its tireless efforts to create awareness and provide counselling to those who seek medical attention at the facility.