New Research Focuses on Addressing Radiotherapy Shortage in Sub-Saharan Africa
For Immediate Release: September 2, 2024
Washington, D.C. – The International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC), in collaboration with global partners, has published important research to help solve the critical shortage of radiotherapy services in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper, titled “Tackling the Radiotherapy Shortage in Sub-Saharan Africa by Gathering and Using Data from Lower-Middle-Income and High-Income Countries,” is now available in the Medical Research Archives.
The study, led by Prof. Manjit Dosanjh and a team of experts from different countries, highlights the very big need for more radiotherapy equipment and trained staff in the region. It gives a detailed look at the problems faced by lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) and suggests new ideas for improving access to cancer treatments that save lives.
Some important points from the research are:
- A predicted shortage of 5,000 linear accelerators (linacs) by 2040 in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The effects of challenges like unstable power supply and lack of spare parts on the operation of radiotherapy equipment.
- Suggestions for creating a strong and affordable radiotherapy system that is easy to maintain and fits the needs of LMICs.
This research shows the urgent need for working together globally to develop and provide technology that can work well in the special conditions of LMICs. By using data from both LMICs and high-income countries, the study offers a plan for building strong healthcare systems that can give important cancer treatment to people who need it most.
Prof. Manjit Dosanjh said, “Our work is to close the gap in radiotherapy services in Sub-Saharan Africa. By understanding the special needs and problems in these areas, we can create solutions that are effective and last a long time.”
The full paper can be accessed for free in the Medical Research Archives online at https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i8.5530. For more details, visit the ICEC website at https://www.iceccancer.org/ or contact Prof. Manjit Dosanjh directly at manjit.dosanjh@cern.ch.
About ICEC The International Cancer Expert Corps is dedicated to improving access to cancer care in low-resource and geographically underserved settings by promoting international collaboration and expertise. ICEC works with both local and global partners to build capacity through a mentoring network of cancer professionals who work to develop and sustain expertise for better cancer care.
Media Contact: Petya Georgieva and Sierra Kelleher
Communications Officer, ICEC
sierra.kelleher@iceccancer.org
