Mr. Fabiano Thulu

Mr. Fabiano Thulu

Co-author

Physics & Biochemical Sciences

19 publications

I hold a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Science and Technology, with a
specialisation in Nuclear Engineering from Alexandria University (Egypt). I am the president of Malawi Young Generation in Nuclear.

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Setting up a new radiation therapy centre in Malawi: Opportunities and challenges

Review Article
Published 2 months ago, 216 views
Author
Ephraim Tembo
Co-authors
Mr. Fabiano Thulu
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the three pillars of cancer treatment (with surgery and systemic therapies) and has proven to be a cost–effective modality for curative and palliative treatment. In low and middle-income countries, access to RT treatment is limited posing many challenges to patients and caregivers. Many patients living in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Malawi spend enormous sums of money to be treated abroad, through Government schemes, or, more commonly, go without treatment. This paper reviews the progress of the Malawi Government in establishing the first dedicated cancer treatment center with RT facilities at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. Malawi is expected to have a fully functional dedicated RT centre towards the end of 2024 equipped with one cobalt machine, two linear accelerators (LINAC), and a high dose rate (HDR) Brachytherapy unit. More cancer patients will have access to RT services locally, resulting in the Government saving on the foreign currency required to treat patients out of the country. While there has been great progress towards establishment of services in Malawi, careful and strategic planning is needed for the sustainability of required resources to avoid long-term disruption of treatments.
Year of Publication
2024
Journal Name
Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology
Volume
31
Issue
1
Page Numbers
1-3
Supporting Files
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