Ghana is facing a growing cancer crisis, with approximately 24,000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 17,000 associated deaths in 2022 alone. The Volta Region carries a disproportionately high burden, accounting for 16.9% of the national cancer cases, with prostate cancer being the most prevalent. This surge in cancer diagnoses has placed a significant strain on the healthcare system, particularly the Ho Teaching Hospital, the regional referral center. Beyond the physical toll, the emotional and psychological impact on patients is substantial, with many experiencing depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, access to professional mental health support is limited, often leaving relatives, nurses, and spiritual advisors to fill the void. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cancer care that addresses both the physical and psychosocial needs of patients.
Recognizing this critical need, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), in partnership with the City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), the International Society of Nurses in Cancer (ISNCC), and Amgen, a biotechnology and pharmaceutical company, has launched the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP). This five-year program, delivered in cohorts, aims to enhance the capabilities of oncology nurses in providing comprehensive cancer care. The initiative focuses on developing leadership skills, promoting clinical excellence, fostering professional growth, facilitating networking and collaboration, encouraging research and evidence-based practice, and nurturing advocacy skills. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes by equipping oncology nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide holistic and effective cancer care.
The inaugural cohort of ONLEP comprises 30 students who will undergo six months of intensive training. The program structure involves a two-week face-to-face session at the beginning, followed by distance learning, and culminating in a final week of in-person instruction before graduation. This blended learning approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring participants receive a well-rounded education. The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, lauded the program as a visionary initiative that aligns with national healthcare priorities outlined in the 2025 Budget. This budget includes the establishment of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, which will specifically allocate resources to the treatment of cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.
The government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system is further evidenced by the expansion of free primary healthcare and the removal of the cap on the National Health Insurance Levy. These measures are expected to generate substantial funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which covers cancer treatment, thereby improving access to vital healthcare services. Mr. Gunu emphasized the importance of ONLEP in complementing the national cancer control plan and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) objectives for enhanced cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. He pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the program’s success and encouraged the nurse-leaders to embrace their roles as agents of transformative change in cancer care delivery.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS and Project Lead for ONLEP, elaborated on the program’s curriculum, which encompasses leadership development, health services organization, psycho-oncology, stress and change management, research skills, and policy development and advocacy. The program’s long-term vision is to establish international partnerships and train approximately 240 oncology nurses across Africa, with the potential for expanding the program to include other healthcare professionals. UHAS aims to become a leading hub for leadership training in nursing, midwifery, and other health disciplines within Africa and beyond. The inauguration of ONLEP marks a significant step towards realizing this vision.
Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Country Director, highlighted the critical shortage of trained oncologists in Ghana, which hinders the effective delivery of cancer services. She emphasized the importance of ONLEP in developing leadership grounded in ethical principles, professionalism, and clinical and administrative competence, all crucial for enhancing service delivery. Dr. Braka affirmed the program’s alignment with WHO’s global strategy for human resources for health, the global risk cancer initiative, and the regional strategy for cancer prevention and control. Sean Lybrand, Executive Director of Access to Healthcare at Amgen Inc., expressed his organization’s commitment to supporting oncology nurses across sub-Saharan Africa. He recognized that investing in their skills and competencies will ultimately lead to improved healthcare delivery and better health outcomes. The collaborative efforts of UHAS, C/Can, ISNCC, and Amgen underscore the importance of partnerships in addressing the complex challenges of cancer care.
