HE Dr. Amir addressing the audience during the opening ceremnoy
Addis Ababa, 20-04-2016: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) this morning kick-started its first IGAD Regional Cancer Center of Excellence (RCCE) Resource Mobilization Conference for Cancer Services in Addis Ababa, in order to mobilize resources for the establishment of a Regional Cancer Centre of Excellence (RCCE).
The opening ceremony of the conference was presided over HE Dr. Amir Aman, State Minister of Health of Ethiopia, in the presence of Mr. Elsadeg Abdallah, Director of IGAD Economic Cooperation & Social Development Division, Dr. Mutate Mumba, Official in Charge of the World health Organisation to Ethiopia, and Ms Fathia Alwan, Programme Manager Health & Social Development-IGAD.
The First Lady of Ethiopia, HE Ms Roman Tesfaye, delivered a video conferenced speech in which she assured of her support to the endeavor. Each of the officials at the high table during the opening ceremony gave remarks to highlight the timeliness and importance of such an initiative.
This conference brought together representatives of IGAD member states and development partners, as well as medical practitioners involved in the treatment and management of cancer from around the world.
The overall objective of the conference is to mobilize resources for the establishment of the RCCE in Addis Ababa. The conference is also expected to provide a platform for representatives of IGAD member states, the African Union Commission, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), UN Agencies, development partners, the private sector, national and regional institutions and other stakeholders to discuss the need to establish the RCCE; to address the challenges of the people of the region; to benefit from effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and provision of holistic care & support for Cancer.
The establishment and effective operation of the RCCE relies on the active involvement and support from the member states, leadership of IGAD based on its mandate and the contributions from IGAD member states, as well as the support of philanthropic foundations, the international community and other local institutions in the member states. ###
