The Insight Corner Hub: A Renewed WHO–African Union Partnership: What It Means for Cancer Control in Africa

Introduction

On the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) renewed a strategic partnership aimed at building stronger, more resilient health systems across Africa. This partnership represents a major step forward for health across the continent and while the agreement doesn’t specifically call out cancer, its focus areas have huge potential to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Africa.

Cancer is an increasingly urgent health challenge in Africa. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), new cancer cases in Africa are projected to nearly double by 2040. Many African countries face limited access to cancer screening, diagnostic tools, treatment facilities, and trained healthcare workers. The renewed WHO-AU collaboration could change this trajectory by addressing systemic issues that affect the whole health sector, including cancer care.

1. Strengthening Primary Health Care: The Frontline for Early Cancer Detection

Early detection saves lives, it’s that simple. Many cancers, such as cervical, breast, and prostate cancer, have much higher survival rates when caught early. Unfortunately, many patients in Africa are diagnosed at late stages, when treatment options are limited and less effective.

The WHO-AU partnership prioritizes strengthening primary health care (PHC) systems. This is critical because PHC is often the first and sometimes the only contact people have with the health system. By integrating cancer screening and early detection programs into PHC for example, routine cervical cancer screening with visual inspection or HPV testing, breast examinations, and prostate checks more cancers can be detected early.

Investing in PHC also means better training for nurses and community health workers, who play a key role in educating communities about cancer risks and encouraging timely health-seeking behavior. Strong PHC systems can bridge the gap between communities and specialized cancer services.

2. Expanding Local Production of Medicines and Vaccines: Improving Access to Treatment

Cancer treatment is expensive and complex. Many African countries rely heavily on imported chemotherapy drugs and other oncology medicines, which often leads to stockouts, high costs, and delays in treatment. This creates significant barriers for patients who need timely, consistent care.

One promising element of the WHO-AU partnership is its emphasis on local pharmaceutical manufacturing. By boosting local production capacities, African countries can reduce dependence on imports, shorten supply chains, and potentially lower prices for essential cancer medicines and vaccines.

This is especially important as some cancers can be prevented by vaccines like the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer. Increasing local production or distribution of vaccines can help improve coverage and reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable cancers.

3. Investing in Digital Health: Harnessing Data for Smarter Cancer Care 

Reliable data is the backbone of effective cancer control strategies. Unfortunately, many African countries lack comprehensive cancer registries and digital systems to track patient outcomes, making it hard to measure progress or plan interventions.

The renewed partnership highlights investment in digital health technologies, which can transform cancer care by:

• Building and strengthening cancer registries to collect accurate data on incidence, mortality, and survival.
• Enhancing communication and coordination among healthcare providers for multidisciplinary cancer management.
• Supporting telemedicine and remote consultations to reach patients in underserved or rural areas.
• Using data analytics to identify trends, gaps, and resource needs, leading to smarter policy and funding decisions.

Digital tools can empower healthcare workers with clinical decision support, improve follow-up care, and reduce loss to follow-up, which is a major challenge in oncology care.

4. Supporting Health Workforce Development: Building Capacity to Scale Oncology Services 

A skilled and sufficient health workforce is essential for delivering quality cancer care. Yet, many African countries face a shortage of oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, and other specialized professionals.

The WHO-AU partnership’s focus on workforce development can accelerate training programs and strengthen professional networks. This includes not only specialized oncology training but also upskilling primary care workers to recognize cancer signs and refer patients appropriately.

Additionally, investing in workforce retention strategies such as better remuneration, continuous professional development, and supportive work environments is critical to maintain and grow the cancer care workforce.

Expanding oncology services beyond urban centers to reach rural and underserved populations depends on a well-distributed and well-trained workforce.

Why This Partnership Matters for Africa’s Cancer Future

Cancer’s rising burden in Africa demands a holistic, sustainable response. While this renewed WHO-AU partnership does not single out cancer, its pillars universal health coverage, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital health, and workforce development address key systemic barriers to cancer control.

• Universal health coverage (UHC) ensures cancer services become accessible and affordable to more people, reducing catastrophic health expenditures.
• Local medicine production can make life-saving cancer treatments more affordable and readily available.
• Digital health investments support data-driven cancer policies and improve patient management.
• Workforce development equips healthcare providers to deliver timely and quality cancer care.

For cancer advocates, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in Africa, this partnership offers a promising framework to mobilize resources, align priorities, and foster innovation in cancer control.

What’s Next?

The real impact of the WHO-AU partnership will depend on implementation at country levels. Governments, health ministries, civil society, and international partners must work together to translate this vision into tangible improvements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

For patients and communities, this renewed collaboration offers hope hope for earlier diagnosis, more accessible treatments, better data, and a stronger health workforce dedicated to fighting cancer.

Get Involved and Stay Informed

Cancer control is a collective effort. Whether you are a healthcare worker, policymaker, researcher, or concerned citizen, understanding global partnerships like this one helps us all play a part in advancing health equity.

Share this article to raise awareness about the importance of health system strengthening for cancer control in Africa. Together, we can build a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and where every African has access to quality care.