Sokode-lokoe: The University of Health and Allied Sciences of Ghana (UHAS) and its partners have launched a new postgraduate certificate programme aimed at advancing nurse leadership in oncology across the African continent. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), the International Society of Nurses in Cancer (ISNCC), and pharmaceutical company Amgen, marks a significant step forward in addressing the gap in investment for healthcare professionals delivering cancer care, specifically oncology nurses.
According to Ghana News Agency, this first-of-its-kind programme in Africa seeks to enhance the quality of cancer care by equipping nurses with leadership skills and improving their capacity to manage oncology cases. The significance of training nurses in oncology has been largely overlooked, especially in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the well-documented and positive impact of nurses in healthcare delivery.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Project Lead and Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, emphasized the university's commitment to becoming a hub for leadership training among nurses and other health professionals in Africa. She stated, "The Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme is a catalyst to this dream," highlighting the importance of fostering leadership mindsets to advance the future of cancer care on the continent.
C/Can and its partners are dedicated to employing a transformational learning approach, aiming to empower nurses with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively lead in the field of oncology nursing. Martha L. Ord³±ez, Global Programme Manager of C/Can, noted the organization's belief in strong local leadership and its commitment to investing in nurses at the heart of health systems. This initiative is expected to strengthen cancer care not only in C/Can cities but also across Africa.
Sean Lybrand, Executive Director, Access to Healthcare at Amgen Inc., expressed the company's commitment to supporting healthcare educational initiatives, particularly in low-resource settings. He stated that supporting oncology nurses in sub-Saharan Africa will enhance their skills and competencies, leading to improved healthcare delivery and better health outcomes in the medium term.
The Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) is a five-year initiative designed to foster leadership development, promote clinical excellence, support professional growth, and nurture advocacy skills among oncology nurses. The programme includes a six-month certificate course, featuring a two-week in-person session at the beginning and a one-week session at the end, with online sessions in between.
Prof. Winnie So, ISNCC President, described the ONLEP as a strategic action that builds the capacity of nurses to lead and implement solutions impacting cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care outcomes.
The first cohort of thirty students from seven countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, and Gambia, recently participated in the initial face-to-face training session. The curriculum covers six modules, including Foundations of Oncology Nurse Leadership Development, Health Services Organization, and Policy and Advocacy.
Ejiaku Tochukwu Chiamaka, Cohort 1 Lead from Abuja, Nigeria, remarked that the programme is a bridge connecting nurses from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share knowledge and experiences.
