The NORA-REACCT summer school began on 19 October 2024 in Cape Town. The AFCRN was officially opened at 9:00 a.m. at Hotel Sky, while the NORA summer school commenced as scheduled at 9:00 a.m. at the Cullinan Hotel. This meeting summary highlights the events and discussions from both the NORA summer school sessions and subsequent joint meetings.

The session at the Cullinan Hotel began with an opening speech by Dr. Adamu Adisse, while Prof. Eva led the AFCRN opening at Hotel Sky. Dr. Adisse delivered a warm welcome, and leaders from the South African team also greeted participants. The program then moved to concurrent sessions, with RT working groups divided among four breakout rooms—Protea 1, Protea 2, Aloe, and Lily—where RT students delivered presentations.

Research talks Presentations:

ü  Dr. Adamu Adissie: Presented "Ethics and Team Working," discussing the ethics of research conduct and sharing his perspective as an “ethicist.” Moderated by Prof. Blandina.

ü  Dr. Mirgessa Kaba: Presented "Leveraging the NORA-REACTCAN Research Programs in Producing Impactful Research." The talk included a 10-minute presentation followed by a Questions &Answers .

ü  After a tea break, research talks resumed:

ü  Dr. Muluken Gizaw: Presented on "Health System Barriers and Facilitators for Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake: The Case in Ethiopia," discussing a recent thesis from a NORA student.

ü  Dr. Mazvita Muchengeti: Presented "HIV and Cancer in South Africa."

ü  Dr. Nejat Ahmed: Discussed "Cytology in Women’s Cancer Screening and Diagnosis," covering liquid-based cytology, digital pathology, and AI.

ü  Dr. Brhanu Teka: Presented on "Triage Tests for High-Risk HPV Positive Women and Implementation Opportunities in Low-Resource Settings."

ü  Each talk was followed by a 10-minute Q&A, with discussions extending for 30 minutes. Dr. Alex Mermi moderated this session.

ü  Abigya Wondimagegnu presented on using country-specific resources for psychosocial and end-of-life care in Ethiopia, especially for cervical and breast cancer patients.

ü  Workshop: Dr. Pablo Santos held a REDCap workshop for participants in need of training.