Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Global Rising: When Cancer Care Breaks Down Silos
This week, something historic happened in Botswana. For the first time in the country’s history, cancer researchers, scientists, nurses, doctors, specialists, clinical psychologists, caregivers, and patients gathered in one room for World Cancer Day. Not in separate conferences or isolated silos… Together.
The day began with the most powerful voices: patients and survivors sharing their stories across prostate, cervical, and ovarian cancers. They reminded us why we do this work, not for statistics, but for mothers, fathers, daughters, sons whose survival is about dignity, voice, and being seen.
Here’s what “United by Unique” (WCD 2026 Theme) meant in that room: Every cancer journey is unique, every diagnosis, every scar, every fear, every moment of hope. But survival doesn’t happen alone.
It happens when we break down the silos between diagnosis, treatment, and the patient journey. It happens when systems stop separating what should never have been divided.
The forum brought together: Botswana University of Pennsylvania Partnership (25 years in Botswana). Cancer Association of Botswana (UICC member), Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and 100+ participants ready to make a difference.
What I carried from the day:
- Africa has always understood community, shared responsibility, and healing beyond hospitals. In Botswana, they call it Kgotla, a consultative gathering to address community concerns. Unique to Botswana, but united across Africa by the common thread of improving our communities’ wellbeing.
- Re tshwanetse go dira mmogo. (We must work together.) Too many people are diagnosed late—not because they don’t care, but because care is hard to reach.
This is a system design problem. And design problems can be fixed. When communities are engaged, people come earlier. When survivors are supported, outcomes improve. When care is close to home, hope becomes possible. One of my mentees told me: ‘For the first time, I truly understood the patient journey.’
That’s Gaborone rising. United by Unique means seeing the whole person: before diagnosis, during treatment, and long after treatment ends. And the only way to improve outcomes is to strengthen the cocoon around our patients, making them feel seen, supported, and dignified.
To the survivors who shared their stories yesterday: you are the center of this work. Thank you.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi.
