The African cancer advocacy consortium: shaping the path for advocacy in Africa

Folakemi T Odedina,Virgil H Simons,Richard Segal,Emmanuel J Kandusi,Kwanele Asante-Shongwe,Shannon Pressey,R Renee Reams

doi:10.1186/1750-9378-8-s1-s8

Abstract

Although there is significant evidence of a cancer epidemic in Africa, there is limited awareness about cancer in most African countries. By partnering with international organizations and institutions such as the University of Florida and the Prostate Net, the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) is committed to improving cancer advocacy in Africa. This paper presents some of the recent efforts on cancer advocacy in Africa, including the results of a SWOT analysis conducted for the cancer advocacy workshop and the guidelines developed by cancer advocates on best practices for cancer advocacy in Africa. One of the outcomes of these efforts is the African Cancer Advocates Consortium (ACAC) founded by cancer advocates in Africa to, “Make Cancer a Top Priority in Africa”. While we have started the work to strengthen cancer advocacy in Africa, we still have a long way to go. Our goal of making cancer a priority in Africa can mainly be achieved by: (1) increasing the manpower for cancer advocacy through education and training; and (2) strengthening the network of cancer advocates across the continent.

Highlights

An organization that has been in the forefront of fighting cancer in Africa is the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC)
This paper presents some of the recent efforts on cancer advocacy in Africa, including the results of a SWOT analysis conducted for the cancer advocacy workshop and the guidelines developed by cancer advocates on best practices for cancer advocacy in Africa
In line with this goal, AORTIC partnered with the University of Florida and the Prostate Net to implement the first biennial International Workshop on Cancer Advocacy for African Countries (CAAC) on November 29, 2011 during the AORTIC’s 8th International Cancer Conference in Cairo, Egypt

Summary

Background

An organization that has been in the forefront of fighting cancer in Africa is the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC). The best practices identified by the Fundraising Advocacy working group was based on what has worked in Africa and included: (i) Fundraising efforts tailored and targeted to those who have been affected by cancers (such as families of survivors) and those who benefit financially indirectly or directly from cancer (such as pharmaceutical companies and hospitals); (ii) Joint fundraising efforts by multiple partners to make a larger impact; (iii) Partnering with local companies or organizations who benefit from the targeted community, such as super market stores; (iv) Submitting special requests to the Minister of Health to support cancer initiatives; and (v) Making public records of successes and name of sponsors. Examples of what has worked in Africa are consistent contact with political officials through personal visits, letters, phone calls, and petitions; use of data and information unique to the constituency of the targeted person; personal stories of a patient from the constituency of the targeted person; and providing opportunity for positive public relations

Conclusion

Additional material