Astrazeneca Collaborates With The Federal Ministry Of Health To Launch Molecular Testing In Nigeria.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has made a significant announcement in its fight against cancer in Nigeria. Teaming up with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), AstraZeneca is launching the Cancer Care Africa (CCA) initiative. The goal of this partnership with NICRAT is to provide equal opportunities for effective cancer treatment through early detection, screening, and diagnostics. CCA aims to not only address the current challenges but also create a sustainable future for cancer care in Nigeria.

Accelerating Change Together for Cancer Care is the umbrella framework for this initiative, which brings together technology, policy, and research pioneers and NICRAT. The collaboration focuses on four main pillars to improve the patient cancer journey experience:

1. Enhanced Screening and Diagnostics: AstraZeneca will establish partnerships with Abuja National Hospital, NSIA-LUTH, and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu to provide molecular testing access within Nigeria. The initiative will also explore screening support for breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer patients.

2. Cross Border Capacity Building: AstraZeneca, in collaboration with the Guandong Academy of Medical Sciences, will provide multidisciplinary teams from selected centers of excellence with Nigeria-China cross border capacity building. The initiative will also enhance pathology expertise through pathologist training across Nigeria and provide oncology training for healthcare professionals (HCPs).

3. Community Engagement: AstraZeneca is committed to working with patient association groups to reach communities that lack awareness and education about cancer. The focus is on empowering patients in their fight against cancer.

4. Government Collaboration: AstraZeneca aims to collaborate with government entities, NGOs, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to address the growing cancer burden on the African continent. The goal is to take urgent action and provide innovative treatments and improved access to cancer care.

Deepak Arora, Country President African Cluster at AstraZeneca, expressed his belief in the program’s potential impact: “This marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we are confident that it will positively impact the lives of many, bringing science to life. This commitment underscores our dedication to empowering patients in their fight against cancer.”

Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), praised AstraZeneca for this brilliant and timely initiative. NICRAT, as the leading government agency for cancer research and treatment in Nigeria, is fully supportive of this partnership.

The official launch of the Cancer Care Africa initiative was done by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. NICRAT believes that this initiative will greatly contribute to improved cancer screening and diagnosis, expand access to innovative treatments, and enhance the expertise of cancer professionals in Nigeria.

Cancer Care Africa is AstraZeneca’s response to the growing cancer burden in Africa. The company is determined to collaborate with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups, to address this urgent need for action.