Miriam Mutebi: The critical role AORTIC – Africa Vice Presidents play

Miriam Mutebi shared on LinkedIn:

“‘One finger cannot lift a pebble.’—Malawi Proverb

Trust me, I tried…

Chinua Achebe said, ‘Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.’ This reminds me of the critical role our AORTIC-Africa Vice Presidents (VPs) play. Representing regions across Africa and beyond, they coordinate activities, bringing expertise, strategic vision, and leadership to address the challenges of cancer care in Africa.

‘There are no shortcuts to the top of a palm tree.’—African Proverb

Here are some key roles played by our VPs:

• Strategic Leadership and Policy Development: VPs shape our vision and long-term goals, identify needs, develop policies, and advocate for comprehensive cancer care. Their leadership aligns AORTIC’s initiatives with national and regional health strategies, mobilizing resources to combat the growing cancer burden. Recently, VP Nursing Dr. Beatrice Ohaeri, in partnership with ISNCC launched a groundbreaking program to equip nurses with leadership tools for cancer policy in Africa. Julie S. Torode, VP Europe, spearheads new advocacy efforts in higher-level diplomacy and policy setting.
• Advancing Research and Training: ‘Knowledge is like a garden. If it is not cultivated it cannot be harvested.’ AORTIC promotes research and training in cancer care. VPs lead collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and institutions. They develop research programs targeting local cancer challenges and organize skills training for healthcare providers. VP W.Africa, OLUSEGUN A., is instrumental in our surgical preceptorships and leads our collaborations with the Society of Surgical Oncology.
• Strengthening Partnerships and Advocacy: ‘Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.’ Our VPs build partnerships with international organizations, governments, and NGOs, advocating for increased funding, and representing AORTIC in global forums. Sitna Ali Mwanzi, VP E.Africa, chairs the partnership committee, while Abiola Ibraheem , VP N.America, coordinates AORTIC special interest groups (SIGs) and co-chairs clinical trials with OLUSEGUN A. This December, Dr. Ibraheem will host our North African series, highlighting collaborations between US-based institutions and local partners.
• Promoting Public Awareness and Education: VPs lead educational campaigns, disseminating information on risk factors, screening programs, and treatments to the public and healthcare providers. Dr. Catherine Mwaba, VP S.Africa and Communications Committee head, was a keynote speaker at the Malawi Cancer Society. Dr. Paolo Salamanco, VP PALOP region, is coordinating the December regional meeting and serves on our research committee. Mr. Ngalla Calvin, VP C.Africa, will soon host a regional meeting, while Dr. Nahla Gafer, VP N.Africa, is instrumental in planning our 2025 biennial conference in Tunisia.

I am grateful for our VPs who ensure AORTIC effectively tackles cancer care challenges in Africa. If you have ideas or want to collaborate, reach out to them.”

Source: Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn