As the morning sun cast its light on the newly inaugurated National Cancer Centre in Lilongwe, emotions ran high – gratitude, hope, and resilience filled the air.
At the centre of this historic moment stood George Zulu, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City West – and a cancer survivor whose personal journey mirrored the struggles and aspirations of countless Malawians.
Speaking during the official launch of the state-of-the-art facility, Zulu described the centre as a transformative milestone for Malawi, particularly for his constituents who have long faced financial and logistical barriers to cancer treatment.
“This hospital is not just for Lilongwe – it is for all Malawians,” Zulu said. “Until now, many patients had to travel abroad, to countries like India or South Africa, for care they could barely afford. Today, that burden is being lifted – thanks to President Chakwera’s vision and leadership.”
Zulu’s words carried powerful weight – not only as an elected leader but also as someone who has personally endured the trauma of cancer. Diagnosed in 2021 with a rare form of head cancer, he spent seven months traveling to South Africa for monthly treatments.
“I’m living proof that cancer is not a death sentence,” Zulu told the audience. “Let no one give up. Early detection and treatment save lives. I recovered – and so can you.”
Encouraging Malawians to take advantage of the newly available services, Zulu emphasized the importance of early intervention and trust in local healthcare infrastructure. His testimony underscored the National Cancer Centre’s potential to shift narratives – from despair to survival, from loss to hope.
Zulu also commended the broader infrastructure developments tied to the project, highlighting the construction of a new six-lane road connecting Game Complex to Kamuzu Central Hospital.
“The President made sure this road would pass right by the cancer centre,” he noted. “It’s not just about bricks and mortar – it’s about access. That’s what leadership looks like.”
President Lazarus Chakwera, who officially opened the K44 billion facility, echoed Zulu’s sentiments, calling the launch a “game-changer” in Malawi’s fight against cancer.
“Today marks a turning point,” Chakwera declared. “We remember the lives lost due to lack of access. This centre is for them, their families, and the future of our nation.”
Equipped to serve up to 100 patients daily, the National Cancer Centre currently provides care to over 2,500 adult patients and 250 children each year. Services include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and teletherapy – previously out of reach for most Malawians. Critically, this is the first public facility in the country offering cancer treatment free of charge.
President Chakwera expressed gratitude to key partners including the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Government of India, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and local private sector contributors. He singled out businessman Thomson Mpinganjira for establishing the International Blantyre Cancer Centre, calling it “a shining example of patriotism in action.”
As the event drew to a close, Zulu’s words resonated beyond the walls of the cancer centre – words born from survival, service, and unshaken faith in the future.
“This is why people are ready to vote for President Chakwera again,” Zulu said. “They see the development. They feel the change. And most importantly – they now have hope.”
