Accra, April 01, – The Cancer Care Africa Foundation (CanCAF) has officially been launched, aiming to strengthen cancer care systems and improve patient outcomes across the continent.
At the launch, the Foundation unveiled its flagship initiative, the Cancer Genetic Counselling Certificate Programme for Oncology Nurses in Africa (CGCP-ON AFRICA), designed to equip nurses with specialised skills for early detection, prevention, and precision treatment of cancer. The programme was delivered in partnership with the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) under the theme, “Transforming Cancer Care: Empowering Oncology Nurses through Genetic Counselling and Precision Oncology.”
Mrs Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Executive Director of CanCAF and 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award winner, said the Foundation seeks to ensure no African, particularly Ghanaians, is denied quality cancer care due to location. She highlighted that Africa records over one million new cancer cases and more than 700,000 deaths annually, with Ghana alone reporting over 24,000 new cases each year and more than 15,000 deaths—nearly 80% of patients present at advanced stages.
“Late detection, limited awareness, and workforce shortages are key systemic challenges. Through genetic counselling, we can identify high-risk individuals early and move from late-stage intervention to prevention,” she noted.
The flagship programme will train oncology nurses across Africa over the next two years. CanCAF’s strategy focuses on three pillars:
Developing an African Cancer Nursing Competency Framework.
Building capacity through training and mentorship.
Empowering nurses to take leadership roles in policy and advocacy.
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, represented by Dr Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination, reaffirmed government commitment to cancer care. He noted that more than 70% of cancer cases in the region are diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment complex and reducing survival rates.
He said Ghana’s National Cancer Control Plan prioritises screening, diagnostics, treatment infrastructure, and public awareness, stressing that a modern cancer response requires innovation, data-driven approaches, and a highly skilled workforce.
“The launch of CanCAF and CGCP-ON AFRICA marks a significant step towards a responsive cancer care system,” he said.
GHBUSS
1 April 2026
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