New Era for Cancer Care as CDH Restarts Radiotherapy

The Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) in Lusaka has officially resumed radiotherapy services, bringing an end to a six-year suspension of the vital cancer treatment.

The milestone was marked on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, when 62-year-old cervical cancer patient Mauleya Zulu became the first person to undergo treatment using the hospital's newly commissioned radiotherapy equipment. Her treatment session, which began at 11:00, lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

The restoration of the service follows an extensive programme of upgrades and modernisation aimed at transforming the hospital into a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Lishimpi said the successful commissioning of the new equipment signalled the full return of radiotherapy services, which had been suspended in 2020 to facilitate the redevelopment of the specialist facility.

Mr Lishimpi said the completion of the project represents a significant step forward in strengthening Zambia's capacity to provide advanced cancer care.

Cancer Diseases Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Susan Msadabwe said the reopening of the radiotherapy unit would significantly improve access to treatment, allowing more patients to receive specialised cancer care within the country.

Dr Msadabwe also revealed that the hospital has installed a new CT simulator, which will enhance the precision of radiotherapy planning and improve treatment outcomes.

Chief Radiation Therapist Dr Ncheebe Sidaza explained that the CT simulator serves as the initial stage of the treatment process, enabling clinicians to map tumours accurately before patients begin therapy on the hospital's linear accelerators.

He added that installation of a second CT simulator is already underway and will further expand the hospital's capacity to provide timely radiotherapy treatment to a growing number of patients.