This new public-private partnership reflects a shared concern over the increasing cancer burden in sub Saharan Africa, a region of the world where cancer rates are growing rapidly. Cancer now accounts for 12.5% of all deaths worldwide, more than HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria combined. By 2020, there are expected to be 15 million new cases of cancer every year, 70% of which will be in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, the lack of trained healthcare workers in oncology has  been cited as one of the key barriers to improved healthcare.

In addition to financial support, Roche will work with the IAEA to identify potential opportunities for Roche employees in particular roles to share their skills and expertise to help facilitate and implement the training initiative.

The partners have committed to a five-year plan, working together to drive participation from healthcare workers in the key countries and beyond. EDUCARE aims to reach over 200 healthcare workers in the first year of the programme.

The launch of the EDUCARE initiative will be marked with an initial meeting scheduled for May, involving the IAEA, Roche, the World Health Organization (WHO) and participating pilot country representatives.

SOURCE Roche