26/05/2026
A New Era in Malawian Healthcare: Malawi National Cancer Centre Successfully Treats First Patient with Historic Brachytherapy Unit.
LILONGWE, MALAWI – On 25th May 2026, Malawi marked a monumental milestone in national medical history. The Malawi National Cancer Centre (MNCC) successfully treated its first-ever patient using its newly launched, state-of-the-art Brachytherapy unit.
This historic achievement transitions Malawi from a nation previously lacking local radiation therapy into a self-reliant hub of modern oncology. For the Radiographers Association of Malawi (RAM), this represents a profound leap forward for our local imaging and radiation professionals on the frontlines of saving lives.
The Burden: Cervical Cancer in Malawi
Malawi faces a staggering oncology challenge, heavily driven by cervical cancer. It ranks as the most frequent cancer among women nationwide - particularly hitting those in their prime years between ages 15 and 44.
According to WHO GLOBOCAN data, Malawi tragically carries one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in the entire world. Every year, over 4,100 Malawian women are diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 3,000 succumb to it.
Until now, the lack of localized, advanced radiotherapy meant that a diagnosis of advanced cervical cancer was frequently a terminal sentence for those unable to afford travel outside our borders.
What is Brachytherapy?
Unlike external radiation, Brachytherapy is an advanced form of internal radiation treatment. By placing radioactive sources directly inside or next to the tumor, it delivers a highly concentrated, destructive dose to cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy organs. It is widely recognized as the indispensable gold standard for curing cervical cancer.
International Collaboration & Local Dedication
This historic first procedure on 25th May was executed seamlessly under the expert supervision of two world-class international experts:
Dr. Catherine Nyongesa (Kenya):
One of the most experienced and elite Radiation Oncologists on the African continent. She is the CEO and founder of the Texas Cancer Centre in Nairobi, and also serves as the Chief Clinical/Radiation Oncologist at the Kenyatta National Hospital Cancer Treatment Centre.
Stefan Menger (Germany):
An accomplished Medical Physicist who ensured the exact calibration and safety modeling of the equipment.
Working side-by-side with these pioneers, the local team of Malawian radiation therapists, oncologists, and nurses showcased extraordinary technical competency, culminating years of intense collective hard work to achieve this dream.
Ending Costly Medical Tourism
The Director General of Kamuzu Central Hospital extended profound praise to the Government of Malawi for its continued full financial and administrative support.
Historically, the government spent millions of dollars sending a small fraction of eligible patients abroad to India and other nations for radiotherapy.
"The full support of the Malawi government has finally shattered the barriers to advanced healthcare accessibility," stated the Director General. "By anchoring this technology in Lilongwe, we are preserving national resources and, more importantly, saving the lives of vulnerable Malawians right here at home, surrounded by their families."
The Director General also thanked the international experts and praised the relentless local team for their deep dedication.
A Prideful Moment for RAM
As the professional body representing the clinical hands executing radiation therapy in the country, RAM celebrates this breathtaking breakthrough! Our local specialists have trained intensely for this exact moment. This is more than just a new machine; it is the birth of an era of domestic hope, survival, and clinical excellence.
