Uganda Commends AfrECC Foundation’s Pan-African Initiative Against Oesophageal Cancer

The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its strong support for the African Oesophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) Foundation, recognizing its groundbreaking efforts to combat the growing burden of oesophageal cancer across the African continent. Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Uganda Embassy in Washington DC and the Uganda Cancer Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior officials and health experts commended AfrECC’s evidence-based and partnership-driven approach as a model for addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through regional and international cooperation.

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) the most prevalent type of oesophageal cancer in Africa disproportionately affects populations in East and Southern Africa. In 2022 alone, the disease claimed over 28,000 lives across the continent, with many cases diagnosed too late for effective treatment due to limited access to diagnostic and care services. Uganda, one of AfrECC’s eight founding member states, has been a consistent advocate for collaborative health solutions.

From the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Dr. Nixon Niyonzima emphasized that late-stage diagnosis remains a significant barrier to effective oesophageal cancer treatment in Uganda. “AfrECC’s support has been transformative from the provision of self-expanding stents to the enhancement of our capacity for endoscopic procedures,” Dr. Niyonzima stated. “Their focus on context-specific research and African-led solutions aligns perfectly with the needs of our health systems.” He highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 82% of oesophageal cancer patients in Uganda are diagnosed at advanced stages, primarily due to limited screening services and low public awareness. “The burden of this disease is further compounded by risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and the lack of diagnostic infrastructure like endoscopy,” he added. “AfrECC’s continued training and equipment support, including the forthcoming initiative on June 11, are crucial in addressing these critical gaps and improving patient outcomes.”

Formally registered in 2024 as a U.S.-based nonprofit, the AfrECC Foundation has since donated over 1,500 self-expanding stents across the region, built capacity in endoscopic techniques, and established a continental research network to explore the environmental, dietary, and microbial causes of ESCC in Africa. Among its international collaborators is Dr. Jerome D. Waye, Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, whose decades-long career in gastrointestinal endoscopy has helped shape AfrECC’s clinical missions.

In a statement from Washington, D.C., Uganda’s diplomatic mission highlighted its role in championing health diplomacy in pursuit of US-Uganda Cooperation. “Our partnership with AfrECC exemplifies how foreign policy can be a vehicle for improved public health,” said Mr. Benon Kayemba a representative of the Ugandan Embassy. “By mobilizing global expertise and resources, we are reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to strengthening local health systems through international cooperation.”

Vivian Kobusingye, a member of AfrECC’s team, shared a personal reflection on the journey of raising awareness around this silent killer, and applauded the support of Ambassador Robie Kakonge and Uganda’s Embassy in the United States. “We are rewriting the story of oesophageal cancer through science, innovation, and community engagement,” she said. “Technology if used responsibly can become a powerful ally in health education. Artificial intelligence, image analysis, and targeted messaging can promote life-saving behaviour change.”

Ms. Kobusingye also called on media professionals to use their platforms as agents of public health advocacy. “Journalists have a vital role to play in sharing accurate, compelling stories that educate and inspire action. We need a collective effort to change perceptions, reduce stigma, and save lives,” she added.

Addressing the media, Ms. Margaret Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at MoFA, underscored Uganda’s commitment to global health diplomacy and African-led health priorities. “We commend the AfrECC Foundation for placing Africa’s cancer crisis on the global agenda,” Ms. Kafeero stated. “Our diplomatic engagements, particularly through our Embassy in Washington, D.C., in its fulfilment of the mandate to identify opportunities for science and technology transfer, continue to foster valuable partnerships that align with our vision for inclusive, sustainable health outcomes”

As part of the expanding collaboration, Uganda will host a live stenting training workshop on June 11 at Kyabirwa Surgical Center in Jinja, where patients will receive free care and local clinicians will benefit from hands-on training. This will be followed by a high-level Oesophageal Cancer Symposium on June 13 at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, drawing stakeholders from across the health, research, and policy spectrum to chart forward-looking strategies for early detection, treatment, and prevention.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Uganda’s unwavering commitment to global action on NCDs, noting that the AfrECC collaboration stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when diplomacy, science, and community leadership work in tandem. As Africa seeks to assert its voice on the global health stage, partnerships like these are vital in shaping a healthier, more resilient future.