Cancer Care in Inter Governmental Organization for Development (IGAD) Region. Hope on the Horizon!

For years the global oncology professionals are debating about cancer control challenges in low -and middle-income countries (LMIC). Witnessing the increasing trend of epidemiology in the IGAD region is of dire concern for all. Cancer related mortality in LMICs is alarmingly high, especially in those younger than 65 years of age. The economic and healthcare infrastructure of this countries is stressed beyond limits due to increasing burden of cancer. Cancer kills more than the usual infectious diseases combined from malaria, TB and HIV, making 20% of all mortality. Majority of this death is premature. The effective cancer control as acknowledged by WHO relies on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment.

In full consideration of the above, IGAD with its member states embarked on ambitious regional program to establish a” Regional Cancer Center of Excellence” (IRCCE). The program is spearheaded by the regional diaspora and member states interested professional groups. The center is designed to serve as a hub situated in Addis Ababa. All member states national programs will be linked to the center. Education (medical, surgical, radiation and allied oncology health) , research ( population, clinical trial and bench ) , data statistic center, guidelines center, and post graduate Institute are the corner stone of the center. IGAD is promising with this world class center to help mitigate the shortage of access to facilities and open a pipe line to well trained skilled staff for the region and beyond.
The full presentation will cover where this project is at now and its historical milestones.