In:
Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 38, No. 15_suppl ( 2020-05-20), p. e19015-e19015
Abstract:
e19015 Background: In a dramatic reversal of trends, cancer now kills more Africans each year than malaria. Should trends continue, Africa’s cancer burden is projected to double to over 2 million new cases and over 1.4 million deaths annually by 2040. Africa’s burgeoning cancer crisis is attributable to many factors, including insufficient preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services; inadequate clinical infrastructure; and shortages of trained healthcare personnel. Methods: BVGH launched the African Access Initiative (AAI) in 2017 to address Africa’s cancer crisis. Utilizing a holistic approach that establishes sustainable access to cancer medicines, strengthens healthcare infrastructure, and builds clinical oncology capacity, BVGH is eliminating or minimizing many of the challenges African clinicians face when diagnosing and treating cancer patients. Complementing its innovative approach, BVGH engages experts across sectors to build capacity and execute programs. African ministries of health and cancer leaders are engaged to ensure AAI activities are driven by their priorities and needs. AAI is not a donation-based program. Pharmaceutical companies are engaged to ensure access to quality, lifesaving cancer drugs in a sustainable and patient-focused manner. International cancer experts are enlisted in capacity building programs that directly align with their expertise and meet their global oncology goals. Results: BVGH is applying its multi-faceted, multi-sector model in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Senegal. In partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Health, BVGH held a cancer stakeholder meeting to define the country’s priority cancers, drugs, and treatment regimens. Following the meeting, BVGH launched an RFP to pharmaceutical companies and subsequently developed reports that forecast full treatment costs based on the companies’ offerings of deeply-discounted drug prices. While simultaneously coordinating drug access, BVGH began planning training refreshers to ensure recipient Nigerian hospitals were ready to use the prioritized cancer drugs successfully. Beyond Nigeria, BVGH has improved Rwanda’s ability to diagnose cancer efficiently; improved Côte d'Ivoire’s multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating cancer patients; and helped Kenya refine its cancer patient sample referral mechanisms. Conclusions: This presentation will describe BVGH’s holistic, multi-sector approach to addressing Africa’s cancer crisis, including partners, activities, lessons learned, and best practices.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0732-183X
,
1527-7755
DOI:
10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.e19015
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publication Date:
2020
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2005181-5
