This is a panel discussion on harmonization of oncology training in the continent. In particular:
A. Providing or suggesting guidelines for a harmonised oncology training
B. Enhance student mobility between ‘equivalent’ institutions.
C. Facilitate fellowship, preceptorship and observership opportunities within the continent

Human resource capacity development for cancer care is lagging behind the increasing burden of cancers in Africa and worldwide. The workforce is a great assert to developing robust cancer control programmes capable of addressing the disparities in quality cancer care delivery. Harmonization of training and strategies for collaborative engagement to enhance educational efforts is critical to cancer control in Africa.

This is a case study of the clinical oncology training programme in Zimbabwe that was established in 1990 as a regional project through the collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the World Health Organization (WHO). The training is offered by the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and leads to a postgraduate degree and specialist registration in Clinical Oncology. Regional and local fellows have been trained, yielding more than 20 clinical oncologists over the years. Some of these have initiated cancer treatment facilities in Africa and beyond. They have continued to train others, fulfilling the original WHO programme target of transfer of skills in sub-Saharan Africa. Collaboration with external partners have complemented efforts by the local faculty in addressing deficiencies in training in areas where experts in the subject are not available and in supporting nationals working abroad to come and teach newer technologies and techniques. The curriculum has evolved from knowledge-based training to competency-based training.

Thus the programme is an example of a sustainable initiative born out of collaborative partnership and is sustained by local resources. The greater majority of qualified oncologists have remained in Africa.