Mulago Hospital Pathology Laboratory Set For Renovation To Strengthen Cancer Diagnosis
Each year, more than 100,000 children develop cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 90% dying, partly due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care. In contrast, approximately 85% of children diagnosed with cancer in high-income countries survive, highlighting the significant disparities in access to timely diagnosis and quality treatment.
To help bridge this gap, Texas Children’s Global, in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Mulago National Referral Hospital and Baylor Foundation Uganda, is supporting the renovation of the Mulago National Referral Hospital Pathology Laboratory into a regional referral laboratory.
The initiative aims to strengthen diagnostic capacity for childhood cancers and blood disorders by establishing a reliable specimen referral and results-return system, improving access to timely and accurate diagnoses across multiple African countries.
During the official handover ceremony, Mulago National Referral Hospital, represented by Dr. Sam Kalungi and the Engineering Department, formally handed over the laboratory to Vasuca Engineering Company to commence renovation works.
Baylor Foundation Uganda, serving as the project’s funds manager, contracted Vasuca Engineering Company and will provide technical oversight, coordinate procurement and support human resource capacity development.
Speaking at the handover, Dr. Leticia Namale, Director of Health Systems Strengthening at Baylor Foundation Uganda, emphasized the importance of delivering high-quality work within the agreed timelines to ensure the facility meets its intended purpose.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to deliver a modern pathology laboratory that will strengthen diagnostic services, support earlier detection of childhood cancers and blood disorders, and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes across the region.