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Africa Cancer Network (AFRICaN)

As the fight against cancer gathers momentum around the world, a review of achievements gained so far in the African region shows little development in the provision of cancer prevention and control. This has largely been the case for sub-Saharan Africa where World Health Organization (WHO) estimates show that 667,000 new cases and 518,000 cancer related deaths were registered in 2008.

Given the gross inadequacy and non-existence of cancer patient-care in parts of the region, these statistics reveal a grim situation which calls for urgent action if a cancer-related health care crisis is to be averted in the shortcoming future. Amidst this challenge, other urgent health issues that abound in the region seem to be overshadowing cancer prevention and control efforts. In an effort to bridge the huge gap in access to treatment and care, uptake of preventive services along with supportive policy formulation in the region, AFRICaN is given to engaging all stakeholders (advocates, health professionals, patients, survivors, affected families, individual and corporate supporters as well as leaders) through its members as a means of facing up to urgent issues.

The realization that much can be achieved through this manner of engagement along with the adoption of region and context specific solutions, gave rise to the formation of  AFRICaN which provides for individual and institutional membership.  In order to allow for change within a reasonable time-frame, AFRICaN is given to a pragmatic approach to bridging some of the huge gaps including lack of reliable data (incidence, mortality, cancer facility usage), inadequate patient-care facilities,  little awareness in the populace as well as among health-workers. Addressing some of these challenges and exploiting the potential held by awareness and behavior change in improving outcomes, would have a significant impact on reducing the growing burden of cancer in Africa.  The importance of networking among members at all levels and with other key partners cannot be over emphasized and will be central in AFRICaN’s activities as given the mission statement.