Bringing Hope Home: Amref Health Africa Transforms Cancer Care in Afar Region, Ethiopia

Cancer is an escalating public health challenge in Ethiopia and across Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 60,000 new cases and approximately 44,000 deaths annually in Ethiopia alone, the burden of this disease is profound. The scarcity of specialised healthcare facilities outside Addis Ababa has forced countless patients to travel great distances, often arriving at hospitals in the advanced stages of the disease. The need for accessible, localised cancer care has never been more urgent.

Afar, a pastoralist region in Ethiopia, has long faced significant challenges in accessing specialised healthcare services. The absence of oncology services has left cancer patients with limited options for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This has been particularly severe, as many patients have had to travel long distances to receive treatment, either to Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa or Dessie Hospital in the Amhara region. This situation has placed a considerable strain on both patients and their families while overwhelming the already stretched healthcare system in the capital.

Recognising this critical need, Amref Health Africa, in partnership with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, Black Lion Hospital, Afar Regional Health Bureau, and Dubti General Hospital, launched a ground-breaking initiative to bring cancer care closer to home for communities in Afar. The centrepiece of this initiative is the establishment of a new cancer treatment and research centre at Dubti General Hospital—the first of its kind in the region. This centre, which includes chemotherapy services, is the result of rigorous planning, preparation, and the dedication of Amref and its partners.

To ensure the success of the new centre, Amref collaborated with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to provide comprehensive training for local healthcare workers. Six non-oncology professionals from Dubti General Hospital, including two doctors, three nurses, and one pharmacist, participated in a month-long training programme at Black Lion Hospital. This programme equipped them with essential skills and knowledge for the safe and effective administration of chemotherapy. During their training, the participants were involved in the daily operations of the Oncology Department, gaining insight into its major challenges. They visited various departments, including the Inpatient Department (IPD), Outpatient Department (OPD), Daycare Clinic, Radiotherapy Unit, and the Cancer Registry.

Dr Mohammed Adem, a general practitioner and lead at Dubti General Hospital in Afar, expressed his enthusiasm for the training: “This training has been transformative for us. Previously, we had to refer patients to Addis Ababa, which was a significant burden. Many patients travelled long distances just for appointments, often facing lengthy wait times. Decentralising chemotherapy treatment helps reduce the strain on Black Lion Hospital and minimises the financial costs associated with each patient. In our culture, it’s common for three to five family members to accompany a single patient. Now, with the confidence gained from this training, we can offer chemotherapy right here in Afar, which will have a tremendous positive impact on our community.”

“Before this training, our support for cancer patients was quite limited. Learning about the detailed aspects of chemotherapy and its impact on patients has been a major part of my development. Now, as a team, we can provide the necessary care locally, allowing patients to stay with their families and avoid long, challenging journeys,” added Solomon Tadele, a nurse at Dubti General Hospital.

The collaboration between Amref Health Africa, the Ministry of Health, the Afar Regional Health Bureau, and Black Lion Hospital has been instrumental in establishing the chemotherapy centre and improving cancer care in Afar. This partnership has leveraged expertise and resources to provide comprehensive, high-quality treatment to patients.

The establishment of the chemotherapy centre in Afar represents a significant milestone in Amref’s mission to enhance healthcare access for communities in Ethiopia. This centre is set to bring vital cancer care services closer to the Afar community, alleviating the burden on patients and their families. By facilitating early detection and treatment, the centre is expected to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

In addition to this initiative, Amref has implemented several other projects to combat cancer in Afar. Through its Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Control project, Amref has enhanced diagnosis, treatment, and referral services for many patients, making a significant impact in the region’s fight against cancer. We welcome partnerships and invite you to engage with us on this or other projects by contacting us at global.communications@amref.org.