24/08/2026
🔬 Strengthening Cancer Diagnosis in Eswatini Through Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Services 🩺
The Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Unit (NCCU), in collaboration with the National Anatomical Pathology Laboratory (NAPL) and the Taiwan Medical Mission Wanfang Hospital Cancer Project, has taken an important step towards strengthening cancer diagnosis in Eswatini. 🇸🇿🇹🇼🤝
From March to July 2026, a nationwide Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) training programme was conducted to expand access to preliminary cancer diagnostic services at regional hospitals and health centres. 🏥👩⚕️👨⚕️
✨ Programme Highlights ✨
👩⚕️ 73 healthcare professionals trained
🏥 12 regional hospitals and health centres reached
📚 8 FNA training sessions conducted
🔬 11 FNA guns provided by the Taiwan Medical Mission Wanfang Hospital Cancer Project, equipment support valued at approximately E110,000
🩺 20 FNA procedures performed independently by participating facilities
FNA is a safe, minimally invasive and cost-effective procedure used for the initial assessment of breast lumps, lymph nodes, thyroid nodules and other superficial lesions. 🔬🩺
📈The programme is already showing encouraging results.
Among the 20 procedures performed:
4 malignant, 3 suspicious for malignancy, 9 benign, 1 atypical and 3 non-diagnostic
The confirmed malignant cases included two metastatic malignant tumours, one breast adenocarcinoma and one lymphoma. These findings highlight the important role of FNA in identifying patients who may require further investigation and treatment. ❤️🩹🔬
Most importantly, FNA services are now being brought closer to patients and communities. 🏘️❤️
By decentralising FNA services, patients can access initial diagnostic assessment closer to where they live, helping to reduce unnecessary referrals and potentially shorten the pathway from suspected cancer, diagnosis, treatment and care. 🩺🔬💊
🎉 A significant milestone has been achieved!
Today, 13 healthcare facilities across Eswatini are providing FNA services, marking an important step towards a stronger and more accessible cancer diagnostic network. 🇸🇿👏
The Taiwan Medical Mission Cancer Project will continue to support Eswatini through technical cooperation, equipment support, professional training and clinical assistance. 🤝
Together, through training, technology and partnership, we can strengthen cancer care and bring early diagnosis closer to the people who need it most. 💙🔬🩺
🇸🇿🇹🇼 Together for earlier diagnosis. Together for better cancer care. 🤝❤️
