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NFNC Calls for Equitable Nutrition as a Pillar of Cancer Care on World Cancer Day
Lusaka,Zambia ,4th February 2026 — As the world commemorates World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique: Providing Access to Cancer Care,” this theme resonates deeply with the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) as we recognize the critical role nutrition plays in cancer prevention and treatment. NFNC is committed to promoting healthy diets and lifestyle which can help to prevent the rise of cancer cases as Zambia is facing an increasing burden of cancer new cases,
NFNC is therefore, calling for a localized, nutrition-centered approach to be part of the cancer prevention and treatment. This year’s theme reminds us that while every patient’s journey is unique, our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality care must be universal.
Nutrition is not a “secondary” concern in the fight against cancer; it is a frontline defense. Evidence shows that a significant portion of cancer cases are linked to dietary habits, while for those already diagnosed, specialized nutrition is critical for treatment tolerance and recovery.
“We cannot talk about ‘access to care’ without talking about ‘access to nutrition,'” says the Executive Director of the NFNC, Dr. Muntanga Kampengele Mapani. “Every patient’s body responds differently to treatment “, she said. To be ‘United by Unique’ means we must move away from one-size-fits-all advice and ensure that every Zambian, regardless of where they come from, has access to the specific nutritional support their body needs to fight cancer.”
Our Strategic Focus for 2026 is to bridge the gap in cancer care access, the NFNC is prioritizing three key pillars:
Integrated Nutrition Counseling: Scaling up the presence of specialized nutritionists in all districts for the inclusion and delivery of food and nutrition interventions in sub-national multisectoral plans.
Community Nutrition Education: Debunking myths regarding “miracle cures” and promoting indigenous, nutrient-dense foods that support immune health.
Policy Advocacy on Food and Nutrition: Working with partners to ensure that therapeutic feeds and nutritional supplements are recognized as essential components of the cancer treatment package.
The NFNC is calling on all stakeholders, from healthcare providers to the private sector to recognize that a patient’s nutritional status often determines their clinical outcome. We are united by our unique challenges, but we must be equally united in our resolve to make comprehensive care a reality for all.
In the words of this year’s theme, let us celebrate our unique identities while dismantling the barriers that prevent even the most vulnerable among us from accessing the care they deserve.
About the NFNC
The National Food and Nutrition Commission is the leading advisory body to the Government and the Zambian population on all matters of nutrition. Our mission is to promote and ensure the availability of adequate nutrition for all Zambian through evidence-based policy and community intervention.
Contact:
Dr. Muntanga Kampengele Mapani
Executive Director.
Cell: 0965224480
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