Cancer ecosystem assessment in West Africa: health systems gaps to prevent and control cancers in three countries: Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal

The Pan African Medical Journal

Oluwayemisi Ayandipo¹  Sylla Thiam²  Fatou Gaye³  Jarim Omogi⁴  Omobolaji Ayandipo⁵  Adedoyin Ojo⁶  Issa Wone⁷  Luther-King Fasehun⁸  Yewande Ayoola⁸  Ernest Kenu⁹  Desta Lakew^1,10 

[1] African Field Epidemiology Network, Abuja, Nigeria;Amref Health Africa, Headquarters Langata Road PO Box 27691-0506 Nairobi, Kenya;Amref Health Africa, West Africa hub, 105 Sacre Coeur 3 Dakar, Senegal;Amref International University P.O. Box. 27691- 00506;Department of Surgery, College of Medicine University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria;Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria;Health Sciences Department, University Assane Seck of Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor, Senegal;The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Abuja, Nigeria;University of Ghana, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Accra, Ghana;Nairobi, Kenya;

关键词: cancer;    prevention;    control;    needs assessment;   

DOI  :  10.11604/pamj.2020.35.90.18516

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition with the increasing incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). Among these, cancer is one of the main causes of death in adults. This is a public health problem whose burden is unknown due to lack of statistical data. In addition, the already overburdened health systems are experiencing enormous constraints to address the problem with the double challenge of communicable and NCDs. METHODS: the purpose of this evaluation was to assess the capacity and needs of health systems to prevent and control cancer. A cross-sectional study, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, was conducted between April 2017 and February 2018 in target countries, through in-depth interviews with key actors, direct observations and documents review. The WHO framework for health system strengthening with the 6 pillars was used for the gaps analysis. RESULTS: little priority is given to the fight against cancer because of low political commitment. Programs´ resources are very limited and there is a poor coordination of the actions. Human resources are insufficient, and most of them are concentrated in the capital city. This limits access to care with a late consultation of patients. Diagnosis and treatment services are expensive and generally paid by households. Finally, the unavailability of reliable data at national level hinders the decision-based evidence. CONCLUSION: there is an urgent need to create strong partnerships at national and regional levels to (i) Advocate for a strong political commitment; (ii) Strengthen the coordination of actions and create more synergy among stakeholders; (iii) Improve the quality and quantity of human resources; (iv) Extend universal health coverage to cancer and improve program funding; and (v) Set up cancer registries at national level.

【 授权许可】

Unknown