Medics call for herbalists' inclusion in fight against cancer

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Health experts have advocated for the involvement of herbalists in the battle against cancer, as the number of cases rises across the country.

“Herbalists should be brought on board instead of pushing them out of business to address the challenge of cancer because patients live with the herbalists in society,” said Dr Ekiria Kikule, principal of Hospice Africa Uganda.

Dr Kikule argued that involving herbalists will enhance the care of cancer patients, given the high cost of cancer medications, provided that the herbal medicines herbalists administer to patients are validated through research.

“They (herbalists) need to be recognised,” she said.

Dr Kikule’s views were supported by Dr Henry Ddungu, president of the Haematology and Oncology Society of Uganda (HOSU), who stated that no one should die from cancer. He emphasised the need for research, education, prevention, care, and the involvement of herbalists.

“We need to bring them (herbalists) on board rather than sending them away,” Dr Ddungu said.

This discussion took place during the launch of the Haematology and Oncology Society of Uganda, the first organisation of its kind, which brings together medical professionals from various fields. The launch occurred at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on February 21.

The executive director of Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Dr Jackson Orem, also echoed his counterparts' remarks, saying herbalists should be engaged in the fight against cancer instead of confronting them.

“It requires the development of a good approach so that they (herbalists) open up. Society should find a way to engage them instead of using an adversarial approach. We need an open door so that we can learn from them,” Dr Orem said.

According to Dr Orem, over 36,000 cancer cases are reported every year. He emphasised that health professionals need to find remedies for cancer treatment through research and that’s why it’s important to learn from herbalists.

The executive director of Mulago Referral Hospital, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, agreed with her colleagues, pointing out that herbalists possess potent remedies for cancer. She explained that the herbs herbalists use to treat cancer need to be subjected to scientific research to verify their potency, as they have always complained that their patents have been taken by scientists.

“We need to work hand in hand with herbalists and bring the National Drug Authority (NDA) on board,” Dr Byanyima said.

The Minister of Health, Dr Ruth Aceng, who was the chief guest at the launch, applauded the health experts for setting up the Hematology and Oncology Society of Uganda, stating that it would spearhead the fight against blood disorders and cancer.

The director of Mulago Hospital, Dr Rosemary Byanyima (centre), displays a plaque as recgonition award as the minister of health, Dr Ruth Aceng (right), looks on after launching the hematology and oncology society of Uganda at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

“I congratulate the leadership and founding members of the Haematology and Oncology Society. The work you do saves lives, gives hope, and shapes the future of healthcare in Uganda,” Dr Aceng said.

Dr Aceng noted that the growing burden of cancer, along with haematologic and oncologic diseases, continues to pose a major public health challenge in Uganda and across the region. She added that every year, thousands of Ugandans, both young and old, are diagnosed with conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and solid tumours, with many facing late diagnoses, limited access to specialised care, and financial barriers to treatment.

The minister pointed out that the government recognises it cannot fight these diseases alone but needs strong partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and a committed network of experts to improve early detection, treatment outcomes, and patient support systems. She said the formation of the society is a bold step towards achieving these goals.

Role of Haematology & Oncology Society

This society will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among haematologists, oncologists, pharmacists, nurses, researchers, and policymakers. It will help to:

• Strengthen research and innovation to inform better treatment protocols.
• Promote continuous medical education to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals.
• Advocate for policies that ensure affordable and accessible cancer and haematology care.
• Enhance partnerships with international experts and institutions to bring world-class expertise to Uganda.

“I applaud the founding members for their commitment and vision in establishing this society. Your dedication will bridge critical gaps in haematologic and oncologic care, ensuring that no patient is left behind,” Dr Aceng said.

Call to action

• All stakeholders—government, private sector, researchers, and healthcare professionals—are urged to actively engage in shaping Uganda's haematology and oncology landscape.
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
• Support for advocacy efforts to improve funding and access to care.
• Encouragement of community outreach and awareness to combat myths and stigma surrounding these diseases.

“Together, we can reduce the burden of cancer and haematologic diseases in Uganda. Let this society be a beacon of hope, excellence, and progress in the field of medicine,” Dr Aceng stated.

During the launch of the society, Prof. Charles Olweny, Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and other medical institutions were given lifetime and recognition awards for their exceptional dedication and impact on haematology and oncology in Uganda.