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

• Published in: Ecancermedicalscience Vol. 14; p. 1051
• Main Authors: Lombe, Dorothy C, Mwaba, Catherine K, Msadabwe, Susan C, Banda, Lewis, Mwale, Maurice, Pupwe, George, Kamfwa, Paul, Kanduza, Mulape, Munkupa, Harry, Maliti, Biemba, Simbeye, Kalyoka, Hachizo, Pious, Lin, Lilie, Chiao, Elizabeth, Lishimpi, Kennedy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol Cancer Intelligence 28.05.2020
• Subjects: Cancer therapies; Caregivers; Chemotherapy; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Disease transmission; Epidemics; Hospitals; Mammography; Medical supplies; Nurses; Pandemics; Patient safety; Population; Quarantine; Radiation therapy; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Short Communication; Social distancing; Task forces; Zambia
• ISSN: 1754-6605; 1754-6605
• DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1051

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.