Ghanaian nurse and recipient of the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, has officially launched the Cancer Care Africa Foundation (CanCAF), alongside a groundbreaking training initiative, the Cancer Genetic Counselling Certificate Programme for Oncology Nurses in Africa (CGCP-ON Africa), in a significant step toward improving cancer care outcomes across the continent.
The landmark event, held at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) at the University of Ghana, convened a distinguished gathering of policymakers, healthcare professionals, academic leaders, development partners, and religious figures, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening Africa’s response to cancer.
In her keynote address, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti described the dual launch as a bold and deliberate intervention aimed at addressing longstanding disparities in cancer diagnosis and treatment across Africa. She emphasized that for many families, cancer is often detected too late, leaving limited treatment options and placing an overwhelming financial and emotional burden on patients and their loved ones.
“For too many families across Africa, a cancer diagnosis comes too late, when options are limited, costs are overwhelming, and hope feels out of reach,” she stated. “This initiative represents a clear and urgent commitment to change that narrative, ensuring that where a person lives no longer determines whether they survive cancer.”
She further highlighted that the newly established Cancer Care Africa Foundation will focus on building a resilient and highly skilled oncology workforce through targeted training, leadership development, and advocacy. Central to this mission is the CGCP-ON Africa programme, the first of its kind designed specifically to equip oncology nurses across the continent with specialized knowledge and skills in genetic counselling.
The programme is expected to play a critical role in promoting early cancer detection, improving patient education, and enhancing personalized treatment approaches through the integration of genetic insights into clinical care.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jemima Dennis Antwi, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Health Development and Research (CEHDAR), underscored the importance of integrating science with cultural understanding in cancer care. She noted that genetic counselling is not solely a technical discipline but one that requires trust, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
“Genetic counselling is not just science; it is about people, culture, and trust,” she remarked. “This programme is a strategic intervention that will bridge the gap between innovation and access while strengthening culturally responsive cancer care across Africa.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Hafiz Adams commended the initiative for aligning with Ghana’s national health priorities, particularly the Cancer Control Plan. He emphasized the growing relevance of genomics, data, and innovation in modern healthcare and stressed the importance of investing in oncology nurses to improve patient outcomes.
“When we empower nurses, we invest in lives saved and families strengthened,” he noted.
Other prominent speakers, including Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, and Dr. Amma Benneh, Director of the West African Genetic Medicine Centre, highlighted the increasing burden of cancer across Africa. They called for sustained collaboration, research-driven interventions, and strategic partnerships to address systemic gaps in cancer care delivery.
The Cancer Care Africa Foundation will operate under a set of strategic priorities aimed at transforming oncology care across the continent. These include the development of an African Cancer Nursing Competency Framework, the promotion of cancer awareness and early detection, expansion of training and mentorship opportunities for oncology professionals, and the empowerment of nurses to play leading roles in policy formulation and advocacy.
The foundation also seeks to strengthen partnerships with governments, health institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to foster a coordinated and sustainable response to cancer.
Goodwill messages from leading health institutions and global partners further reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing persistent inequalities in cancer care across Africa.
The event concluded with the official unveiling of the Cancer Care Africa Foundation and the CGCP-ON Africa programme, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve early diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and ensure equitable access to quality cancer care for all Africans.
Auntie Georgina of MTN
As stakeholders left the event, there was a strong sense of optimism that this initiative would serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, offering renewed hope to millions of individuals and families affected by cancer across the continent.
