The Republic of the Congo Sets Sights on Being a Reference Centre for Cancer Control

The review brought together experts from the IAEA, World Health Organization (WHO) and IARC to evaluate the key areas of cancer control: from prevention and screening, early detection, diagnosis and treatment to palliative care, as well as cancer control planning, cancer registry and radiation security.

Among the experts’ recommendations is the need to urgently strengthen palliative care services in light of the large proportion of patients whose cancer is too advanced to be cured. Additional recommendations include the need to increase the number of doctors in the public health system in different cancer diagnosis areas (pathology, medical imaging and biochemistry) and to make cancer treatment services available to the population free of charge.

The country has already made some progress in building its cancer control capacity. For example, its small cancer registry is well regarded in the region in spite of its limited human and financial resources. Brazzaville’s medical school has trained numerous oncologists from neighbouring countries.

Acknowledging that the fight against cancer is a priority in the country, the Ministry of Health is about to establish a cancer control unit to effectively manage and coordinate all cancer activities. In this regard, the imPACT review will provide essential information to prepare a comprehensive national cancer control plan.

The Government has also embarked on the establishment of 12 new hospitals across the country, two of which will provide the full range of cancer treatment services, including radiotherapy: the Hôpital de Combo in Brazzaville and the Hôpital de Patra in Pointe Noire.

The imPACT report provides  the Government with baseline situation analyses and a set of recommendations to strengthen national cancer control capacities. As Fatoumata Diallo (WHO) affirmed, “the imPACT review recommendations will allow the country to make strategic choices regarding cancer control, maximizing the effectiveness of the often limited human and financial resources”.
Following the imPACT mission, the IAEA and its partners will continue to support the country in its ambition to become a centre of reference in the central African region.

Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT)
PACT was established as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help fight the growing cancer crisis in the developing world. The IAEA has over 40 years’ experience in supporting countries in applying nuclear technologies for health and prosperity. PACT works to improve IAEA Member States’ capacities to address the growing cancer burden through promoting the integration of radiotherapy technologies within a comprehensive national cancer control programme. PACT builds strong strategic partnerships, particularly with the World Health Organization (WHO), to provide equitable, affordable and quality access to cancer care for all cancer patients to the highest standards, everywhere. cancer.iaea.org