The NORA 2025 Summer School Focuses on Strengthening Capacity for Cancer Research and Control
Cancer continues to pose a significant public health threat in Sub-Saharan Africa, claiming an estimated 533,000 lives annually, with breast and cervical cancers among the leading causes of death for women. In response, the Network for Oncology Research in Sub-Saharan Africa (NORA) hosted a five-day summer school in Abuja, designed to build regional capacity for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care.
The event, organised by the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria in partnership with the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN) and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), drew 155 delegates from 25 countries, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, the UK, and the US.
Through workshops, plenary sessions, and hands-on training, participants explored strategies for early detection, improving treatment access, and strengthening cancer registries to generate reliable, comparable data. Dr Elima Jedy-Agba, NORA Nigeria Principal Investigator, highlighted the consortium’s efforts since 2023 in training over 100 early-career researchers and enhancing cancer registries across partner countries.
IRCE Executive Director Prof. Alash’le Abimiku emphasised that quality data is key to understanding the scope of cancer and evaluating interventions. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based cancer control. The summer school highlighted Africa’s collaborative efforts to reduce cancer mortality and inform national health policies through research and innovation.
