Dr Beda Likonda
Why is radiotherapy so important in global cancer care? How is a radiotherapy unit set up? What are the key considerations?
In 2017, Tanzania’s second radiotherapy unit treated its first patient. In this episode, Dr Beda Likonda from Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, describes his experience of the entire process including set-up of the facility, machine procurement, staff training and more.
Dr Beda Likonda trained as a doctor in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. After working as a medical officer for several years, he travelled to Tata Memorial Hospital in India, supported by the IAEA, to complete his training in radiation and systemic therapy. Returning to Tanzania as a clinical oncologist, Dr Beda Likonda now works within the oncology department at Bugando Medical Centre that is led by Dr Nestory Masalu.
This is the first of 2 episodes with Dr Beda Likonda. Follow us on twitter to make sure you don’t miss the second part covering topics such as paediatric radiotherapy, the multi-disciplinary team and how you or your organisation may be able to get involved.
Key References for this episode:
“Our results provide compelling evidence that investment in radiotherapy not only enables treatment of large numbers of cancer cases to save lives, but also brings positive economic benefits” Expanding global access to radiotherapy, Atun et al, Lancet Oncology, 2015
“Low levels of awareness and negative perceptions have a negative effect on the use of RT” Public Awareness and Perceptions of Radiotherapy in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Soko et al, Journal of Global Oncology, 2019
