Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Cancer Institute is confronted with a concerning trend as it grapples with over 50 cases of liver cancer annually due to food contamination by aflatoxins, as disclosed by the Ministry of Health.
State Minister for Primary Health, Margaret Muhanga, unveiled this startling revelation while addressing the Parliament’s joint Committee on Health and Agriculture recently.
The committee is currently conducting an investigation into the issue of aflatoxin-contaminated foods in Uganda.
Muhanga emphasized that on average, the Cancer Institute witnesses a significant number of liver cancer cases, ranging from 170 to 200 patients each year. However, an alarming 48 to 56 of these cases are attributed to aflatoxin exposure.
The financial implications of this issue are substantial. The state expends over 3 billion Ugandan shillings (Shs3b) annually to provide treatment for 200 liver cancer patients, with each patient incurring an annual treatment cost of approximately Shs15.6 million.
The figures reveal a significant strain on the healthcare system and highlight the urgent need to address the issue of aflatoxin contamination in the food supply. However, it’s important to note that the mentioned costs do not cover the expenses associated with investigations and supportive treatments, further underscoring the multifaceted challenges associated with aflatoxin-induced liver cancer.
Aflatoxins, which are cancer-causing toxins produced by molds, contaminate various foods, including maize, beans, corn, rice, soybeans, groundnuts, and nuts.
These molds are more prevalent in warmer and tropical regions, such as sub-Saharan African and Asian countries, where suboptimal storage conditions can lead to mold growth.
The risk of liver cancer is significantly higher among individuals with prolonged exposure to aflatoxins, particularly those who are chronically infected with Hepatitis B or C. Effective management of aflatoxin contamination involves controlling or reducing exposure by regulating the factors that elevate the risk of contamination during cultivation.
Agricultural practices that mitigate aflatoxin contamination encompass timely planting, maintaining optimal plant densities, providing proper plant nutrition, averting drought stress, managing other plant pathogens, weeds, and insect pests, and following appropriate harvesting and post-harvest handling procedures to prevent mold formation.
Addressing these challenges in food production and storage is crucial to reducing liver cancer cases linked to aflatoxin exposure.
Stay updated with the latest news and updates by visiting https://mediascapenews.com.