Who We Are
The African Cancer Alliance (ACA) is a Pan-African cancer control organization dedicated to improving cancer outcomes by advancing integrated, scalable solutions across the full continuum of care. ACA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our work connects community-based prevention and early detection efforts with treatment access, workforce development, and health-system strengthening to reduce delays, improve coordination, and expand equitable access to quality cancer care.

From Late Diagnosis to Limited Access — A Continuum of Barriers
The Challenge
Across many African countries, cancer outcomes are shaped not by a single gap, but by a series of interconnected challenges across the care continuum. Too often, cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages, and patients face delays in accessing timely, appropriate treatment.
Limited screening infrastructure, gaps in community awareness, fragmented referral pathways, and constrained health-system capacity contribute to preventable mortality and inequities in care. For many patients, navigating the journey from symptom recognition to diagnosis and treatment remains complex, costly, and uncertain.
Mission & Vision Statement:
MISSION
To transform cancer care pathways across Africa through prevention, detection, and treatment access.
VISION
An Africa where cancer is detected earlier, managed equitably, and addressed through resilient, community-centered health systems.
ACA Mission & Vision Are Reinforced By 5 Pillars
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Prevention & Community Engagement
Advancing community-based education, risk-reduction initiatives, and awareness campaigns that promote early symptom recognition and screening uptake, with the goal of reducing cancer incidence and enabling earlier diagnosis.
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Accessible Screening, Referral & Early Diagnosis
Strengthening community, pharmacy, and primary care networks to deliver accessible screening and triage services, and to create coordinated referral pathways that connect individuals to timely diagnostic evaluation.
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Workforce Development & Patient Navigation
Building a trained, multidisciplinary workforce by equipping community health workers, pharmacists, and clinicians to identify early warning signs, facilitate referral, and support patients throughout the care journey, from detection through treatment initiation.
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Treatment Access & System Strengthening
Working with health systems, cancer centers, and policymakers to reduce barriers to timely, quality treatment by improving care coordination, supporting scalable delivery models, and strengthening oncology service capacity.
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Data Research & Policy Impact
Collecting and analyzing program data, supporting implementation research, and contributing to evidence-based policy and regional cancer control strategies that improve outcomes at the population scale.
The Challenge
From Late Diagnosis to Limited Access — A Continuum of Barriers
01
The Challenge
Across many African countries, cancer outcomes are shaped not by a single gap, but by a series of interconnected challenges across the care continuum. Too often, cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages, and patients face delays in accessing timely, appropriate treatment.
Limited screening infrastructure, gaps in community awareness, fragmented referral pathways, and constrained health-system capacity contribute to preventable mortality and inequities in care. For many patients, navigating the journey from symptom recognition to diagnosis and treatment remains complex, costly, and uncertain.
02
Why This Matters
Early detection improves survival, but detection alone is not enough. Without coordinated systems that connect communities to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, opportunities to improve outcomes are lost.
Stronger health systems, trained workforces, and accessible referral networks are essential to ensuring that advances in cancer care translate into real-world impact for patients and families.
03
Technology Solutions
By addressing barriers across the full continuum. From prevention and early detection to treatment access and system strengthening, there is a clear pathway to improving cancer outcomes at scale.
Partnerships, community engagement, and data-driven approaches can transform fragmented pathways into coordinated systems that deliver equitable, sustainable cancer care across the region.
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Prevention.
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Early Detection.
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Treatment Access.
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System Strengthening.
Our Leadership
George Udeani, PharmD, DSc.

President
Dr. George Udeani is a healthcare leader and researcher with extensive expertise in clinical sciences, pharmacy systems, and public health strategy. His academic and professional career reflects a strong foundation in translational research, clinical outcomes evaluation, and systems-based healthcare improvement. Throughout his career, he has contributed to scholarly research and interdisciplinary initiatives aimed at advancing evidence-based practice and strengthening healthcare delivery frameworks.
As President and CEO of African Cancer Alliance, Dr. Udeani provides strategic leadership grounded in scientific rigor and public-health systems thinking. He guides ACA’s focus on scalable implementation, measurable outcomes, and sustainable early detection infrastructure aligned with national and regional health priorities across Africa.
Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, MBBS, FWAS, FMCR

Vice President
Professor Ifeoma Okoye is an Emeritus Professor of Radiation Medicine and a distinguished leader in oncology, clinical research, and cancer systems development across Africa. With more than four decades of experience in radiation oncology, academic medicine, and health systems leadership, she has contributed extensively to advancing cancer diagnosis, treatment access, and clinical research capacity in the region. Her work has focused on strengthening oncology services, expanding training and mentorship, and promoting evidence-based approaches to cancer control.
As Vice President of the African Cancer Alliance, Prof. Okoye provides strategic and clinical leadership to advance integrated cancer care pathways, research-informed programming, and equitable access to treatment. Her expertise strengthens ACA’s commitment to evidence-based implementation and sustainable cancer system transformation across Africa.
Board of Directors
Prof. Chimezie Anyakora

Board Member
Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, President & CEO of Bloom Public Health, is a distinguished scientist, academic, and researcher with deep expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, analytical systems, regulatory quality, and public-health frameworks. His research career spans laboratory science, quality assurance systems, and applied health innovation, with contributions to peer-reviewed scholarship and capacity-building initiatives across multiple regions.
As Chief Scientific and Strategic Advisor to African Cancer Alliance, Prof. Anyakora provides scientific oversight and strategic guidance to ensure program integrity, methodological rigor, and alignment with global best practices. His research-driven perspective strengthens ACA’s commitment to structured implementation, accountability, and evidence-informed system development.
Salim Surani, MD, MPH, MSHM, FCCM

Board Member
Dr. Salim Surani is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Houston and Visiting Professor at Aga Khan University, with prior academic roles at Texas A&M University and research collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. A fellowship-trained pulmonologist with graduate degrees from Yale University and the University of Texas at Dallas, he is an accomplished clinician-researcher who has authored over 500 peer-reviewed publications and 100+ book chapters. Dr. Surani has served in national leadership and editorial roles, directed pulmonary and critical care fellowship programs, and is widely recognized for training physicians and advancing evidence-based clinical practice.
Dr. Mansoor Saleh, MD

Board Member
Dr. Mansoor Saleh is a medical oncologist with extensive experience in clinical oncology, cancer program development, and multidisciplinary care across East Africa. Based at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, he is actively advancing patient-centered oncology services, clinical education, and evidence-based treatment approaches in the region.
As a Clinical Advisor to the African Cancer Alliance, Dr. Saleh provides clinical expertise to support integrated cancer care pathways and strengthen treatment capacity across partner institutions. His work focuses on improving access to quality oncology care and fostering collaboration that bridges clinical practice, research, and training in alignment with ACA’s mission to transform cancer care across Africa.
Ifeoma Okolo – MBA

Financial Consultant
Ifeoma Okolo serves as Financial Consultant to the African Cancer Alliance, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit finance and operational strategy. She has held senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance, Controller, and Senior Director of Accounting at Business Executives for National Security (BENS). She has managed accounting operations for organizations such as Catholic Charities and the National Federation of the Blind. With deep expertise in financial planning, reporting, and resource stewardship, she provides strategic financial guidance to support ACA’s sustainability, accountability, and long-term growth. Holding an MBA and a strong background in nonprofit financial management, Ifeoma strengthens ACA’s commitment to disciplined governance and responsible expansion.
Bonaventure Ojiyi – BSc

Executive Secretary
Ojiyi Bonaventure Chukwuebuka serves as Secretary of the African Cancer Alliance, supporting organizational coordination, documentation, and administrative operations. A proactive and highly organized professional, he brings expertise in logistics, grant research, structured reporting, and professional correspondence, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and clear communication across initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, with a strong foundation in organizational systems and stakeholder engagement. Bonaventure is recognized for his professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining operational excellence in mission-driven environments.
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