IBM, the American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) have formed an alliance to help improve access to high-quality cancer care, and treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa called Allied Against Cancer.
The Alliance will support a network of African oncology experts and technical assistance partners to help improve the quality of cancer care, including collaborating closely with the African Cancer Coalition to establish priorities and execute these initiatives locally.
There are more than 800,000 new cancer cases each year in Sub-Saharan Africa and incidence is projected to double by 2040.
And as these countries address the growing cancer epidemic, data and emerging technologies can play a significant role in cancer treatment control and care.
The need for more affordable cancer treatment and strong systems for their delivery are crucial to help improve patients’ survival.
“Allied Against Cancer brings together a group of top-notch experts to tackle the growing burden of cancer in Africa, and the American Cancer Society is proud to be a founding member of the alliance,” said Gary Reedy, Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society.
“With the increasing burden of cancer in this part of the world, we must strive to improve patient’s access to timely and affordable care. Technology and data can help create efficient healthcare systems so that national and regional medical networks can increase support for their local communities,” said Dr. Solomon Assefa, Vice President, Africa & Emerging Market Solutions and Director, IBM Research – Africa.
“This new alliance will help ensure that lifesaving medications and tools are available where and when they are needed so that health professionals can better diagnose, treat, and care for patients suffering from cancer throughout Sub-Saharan Africa,” said CHAI CEO Ira C. Magaziner.
“To address the growing burden of cancer in Africa and worldwide, African oncologists need quick and easy access to current treatment options and quality, affordable treatment for their patients. This alliance provides an opportunity to strengthen the ties within the global oncology community in ways that can deliver better outcomes for our patients,” said Professor Isaac Adewole, Co-chair of the African Cancer Coalition.
