Ntokozo Ndlovu Radiation Oncologist Harare, Zimbabwe Population - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Ntokozo Ndlovu Radiation Oncologist Harare, Zimbabwe

� Population – 12 million � 7,000 new cancer cases per year � 2000 – 3000 cases referred for radiotherapy each year � 80%+ - for palliative treatment

All Zimbabweans : Female Cervix uterine Kaposi's sarcoma Breast Non melanoma Eye NHL Ovary Liver Oesophagus Stomach 0 10 20 30 % frequency

Harare all races : Males Kaposi's sarcoma Non melanoma Prostate NHL Oesophagus Liver Lung Bladder Stomach Colon 0 10 20 30 40 % Frequency

� 3 linear accelerators � 25+ years experience in using linear accelerators � One Co-60 unit (awaiting decommissioning ) � Last patient treated on this unit – August 2001 ( 8yrs and 9months).

THEN …. NOW

� Takes 3-4 years to train RTTs and 4 years to train a RO. � With high staff migration; Only 2 of 9 doctors ever worked with Co-60 ◦ Only 2 of 25+ RTTs ever worked on Co-60 unit ◦ No MP ever worked on Co-60 unit ◦

� Dual photon energies and several electron beam energies can facilitate a variety of palliative as well as curative work. � No source to replace and all the logistics to go with it. � Training of personnel is not more “difficult”. � Power supply – arrangements were possible even in the most difficult of times.

� Shift work – adequate staffing and international labour laws – what patient wants to be treated at midnight?! � To and re-introduce Co-60 or move on and concentrate on what is the next best milestone forward. � Maintenance of RT equipment in Africa – is it still a major huddle in this global village – can it be successfully addressed?