Zambia Launches K422 Million Cancer Hospital in Livingstone
The Government has officially broken ground on a K422 million state-of-the-art Cancer Disease Hospital at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, aimed at expanding cancer care services and decentralising specialised treatment in Zambia.
The facility, which will have a 70-bed capacity, is expected to be completed within one year and will be equipped with advanced medical technology to deliver comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment services.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Health Honourable Alex Katakwe said the project responds to the growing burden of cancer in the country, which records an estimated 15,300 new cases and 9,700 deaths annually.
He noted that cervical cancer remains the most prevalent at 24%, followed by Kaposi’s sarcoma at 16%, prostate cancer at 11%, and breast cancer at 7%.
The Minister also expressed concern over rising cases of cancer among younger populations, linking the trend to lifestyle-related risk factors and increased exposure to infection-related vulnerabilities.
“This facility represents more than infrastructure it is a lifeline,” Dr Katakwe said. “It will decentralise cancer treatment, ease pressure on the Cancer Disease Hospital in Lusaka, and bring critical, life-saving services closer to communities in Southern and Western Provinces.”
He further emphasised that the new hospital will strengthen early detection and improve access to specialised care, reducing the financial and logistical burden on patients who currently travel long distances for treatment.
Minister of Tourism Honourable Rodney Sikumba, who is also Member of Parliament for Livingstone Central, described the project as a dual investment in health and economic development.
He said the facility aligns with efforts to position Livingstone as a hub for medical tourism alongside its established status as Zambia’s tourism capital.
“Tourists are drawn to destinations that guarantee safety, health and peace of mind,” he said. “This facility strengthens that assurance and redefines Livingstone not just as a tourism capital, but as a centre for wellness and healing.”
He added that the project is expected to stimulate local economic activity through job creation and increased demand for supporting services within the tourism and health sectors.
During the visit, the ministers paid a courtesy call on Chief Mukuni, who welcomed the initiative and highlighted the increasing impact of cancer on communities, including among traditional leadership structures.
He expressed optimism that the facility would improve early diagnosis, reduce treatment costs, and ease the burden on families affected by cancer.
The development is being viewed as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen specialised healthcare infrastructure while promoting equitable access to medical services across the country.
