Cancer care project launched to boost early detection of breast and prostate cancer in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, June 26, 2025 (FBC) – A groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening early detection and referral for breast and prostate cancer has been officially launched in five urban communities of Addis Ababa.

The project introduces a cutting-edge digital platform for recording screened individuals and fosters strong public-private partnerships to improve cancer outcomes in Ethiopia.

The launch event, held last week at [Sapphire Addis Hotel], brought together senior representatives from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa Health Bureau, government officials, health professionals, and development partners.

Spearheaded by AstraZeneca through its A.Catalyst Network and Africa Health Innovation Hub, in partnership with Spirit Health Foundation and Global Health Partnerships (GHP) (formerly THET), the project responds to the urgent challenge of late-stage cancer diagnoses in Ethiopia.

Over 67% of breast and prostate cancer cases in the country are detected at advanced stages, severely limiting treatment options and survival chances. Addressing this, the initiative deploys “Clinitouch,” a digital, community-based cancer screening tool developed by Spirit Health Foundation.

Designed for use by Health Extension Workers (HEWs) at primary health centers, the platform facilitates offline data collection, risk assessment, and rapid referrals, enabling early and effective intervention even in underserved areas.

Participants at the event visited Woreda 5 Health Centre one of five pilot sites to witness the digital technology in action and engage with frontline health workers undergoing practical training.

AstraZeneca President Mr. Deepak Arora underscored his organization’s decade-long commitment to health initiatives in Africa, noting, “AstraZeneca’s responsibility is not just about CSR; it’s about combining community engagement, digital innovation, and inclusivity—programs by the community and for the community.”

He highlighted ongoing efforts including the Healthy Heart Africa program targeting hypertension and diabetes screening across nearly a dozen countries. “Hypertension, diabetes, and cancers such as breast and prostate represent a heavy burden in Ethiopia,” Mr. Aurora said, emphasizing the urgent need for early diagnosis.

“Our goal is to empower healthcare workers to screen patients early, ensure prompt diagnosis, and initiate treatment much sooner than currently happens,” he added. The digital Clinitouch platform plays a vital role in this effort, allowing health workers to collect data efficiently and fast-track patients to appropriate care.

In a separate interview with Fana Media Corporation, Mr. Arora praised Ethiopia’s exemplary public-private partnership model in health. “We began with Healthy Heart Africa, where the Ministry of Health and partners collaborated closely. This partnership ecosystem is why we are here again with Cancer Care Africa,” he said.

Looking ahead, he outlined plans to expand beyond screening, “We aim to introduce innovative and equitable medications and localize diagnostic testing, which currently requires sending specimens abroad. Tests like EGFR, BRCA, HRR, and HRD will soon be available here in Ethiopia, enabling quicker diagnoses and treatment.”

Dr. Yoseph Mamo, Country Representative for THET Ethiopia, also shared the organization’s 30-year engagement in strengthening Ethiopia’s health system, focusing on faculty development and support for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“Initially, NCDs were seen as diseases of affluence, but research now shows rural and poor communities are also heavily affected,” Dr. Yoseph noted. He described how urbanization and lifestyle factors have increased the burden, and how the Ministry of Health recognized this by 2010, developing policies and frameworks to address NCDs.

Between 2018 and 2023, THET supported the decentralization of NCD care to 60 health facilities in seven regions, bringing services closer to communities and reducing hospital burdens.

On the future of such initiatives, Dr. Yoseph emphasized the importance of digital technology to support overstretched community health workers. “Digital tools can help health workers collect data quickly, improve reporting, train themselves, and organize outreach campaigns to raise awareness and encourage early screening,” he explained.

He also pointed out the urgent need to focus on breast and prostate cancer, which are currently under-addressed compared to successful cervical cancer programs. “We are starting this effort in six health sectors in Addis Ababa and hope to scale it up based on lessons learned,” he said.

Regarding recent health sector reforms, Dr. Yoseph expressed optimism: “The Ministry of Health is committed to tackling NCDs as an imminent danger, understanding that prevention is far easier and more cost-effective than treatment at advanced stages.”

The launch event concluded with the ceremonial signing of a project agreement between Global Health Partnerships and the Addis Ababa Health Bureau, underscoring institutional support for integrating digital cancer screening into Ethiopia’s primary healthcare system.

As Ethiopia embraces innovative, tech-driven solutions and strong partnerships, this Project represents a significant stride toward improving early cancer detection, reducing mortality, and building a sustainable health ecosystem for the future, it has been learned.