African science contributes to the fight against cancer in the world: reflections after the 10th AORTIC conference, 18-22nd November 2015, Marrakesh, Morocco.

Dc Stefan

doi:10.3332/ecancer.2016.ed52

Abstract

AORTIC (OAREC), the Pan – African organization aiming to unite African scientists in the fight against cancer on the continent, held its 2015 conference in November, in Marrakesh. It was an opportunity to evaluate the progress made, to strengthen scientific collaborations and to draw the future battle lines against cancer on the continent.

Highlights

As I take time to reflect after the last conference organized by AORTIC in Marrakesh, in November 2015, a question comes to my mind: “Can Africa in the 21st century make the substantial contribution to science that is so much needed?” I still need to find a response
In a world dominated by health inequalities, war and refugees, climate change and malnutrition, Africa remains a continent characterized by chronic socio economic problems and political instability with minimal or insignificant investment in cancer research and education
We have more than a 1 billion people living in our continent but, according to the World Bank, almost half (42.7%) of those living in sub-Saharan Africa earn less than US$1·90 per day [4]; the continent speaks more than 2000 different languages, but some of them don’t even include a word for cancer

Summary

Introduction

As I take time to reflect after the last conference organized by AORTIC in Marrakesh, in November 2015, a question comes to my mind: “Can Africa in the 21st century make the substantial contribution to science that is so much needed?” I still need to find a response. In a world dominated by health inequalities, war and refugees, climate change and malnutrition, Africa remains a continent characterized by chronic socio economic problems and political instability with minimal or insignificant investment in cancer research and education.

Results

Conclusion