Policy to practice: Transforming cancer care in Africa by implementing guideline-concordant care

The panel discussion will explore the critical steps necessary to implement guideline concordant care, in order to improve cancer outcomes in Africa. There are contextual barriers to delivering quality cancer treatment, including limited resources, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and disparities in access to care. This session will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and cancer care providers to discuss strategies for translating national cancer control plans (NCCP) into guideline-concordant care that aligns with international quality of care standards.

Key topics will include the development and dissemination of NCCPs tailored to the African context, innovative approaches to training healthcare professionals and embedding a culture of quality improvement in care delivery. Furthermore, the session will explore the integration of culturally-tailored, palliative care and symptom management along the entire cancer care continuum. Finally, this session will highlight successful case studies from specific African countries where policy changes have led to tangible improvements in clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Participants will gain insights into effective collaboration between ministries of health, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Additionally, the discussion will address the importance of community engagement and patient advocacy in driving systemic change. By the end of the session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of the practical steps needed to translate NCCPs into practice, ultimately aiming to reduce cancer mortality rates in Africa through guideline-concordant care delivery.