Ethiopia National Cancer Registry & Control Plan Launch
🎗️ Ethiopia Launches National Cancer Registry & Control Plan: a milestone in fighting cancer
August 30, 2025 - Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa
Ethiopia has officially launched its National Cancer Registry (NCR) and National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) a transformative milestone in the country’s fight against cancer. The event, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa University, NORA Initiative, and the Addis Ababa Population-Based Cancer Registry, brought together leaders from Ministry of Health, Universities, regional health bureaus, healthcare, and international organizations.
Professor Andualem Deneke (CED of CHS, AAU) opened the event by welcoming distinguished guests, including the Deputy Minister of Health, university presidents, regional health bureau heads, and all the guests. Keynote speech from Dr. Samuel Kifle (president of AAU) emphasized the initiative’s potential to reshape cancer care.
A series of presentations from leading experts was also delivered:
• Dr. Hiwot, Lead Executive Officer for Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health,
• Dr. Selamawit Ayele, Desk Lead for Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health,
• Dr. Mathiwos Assefa, Senior Oncologist and Head of the Addis Ababa Population-Based Cancer Registry,
• Dr. Adamu Addisie, Principal Investigator for the Network for Oncology Research in Africa (NORA) and REACCT-CAN initiative.
They outlined Ethiopia’s cancer control journey, the roadmap for prevention and care, and the urgent need for nationwide data coverage.
The NCCP targets breast, cervical, childhood, and adolescent cancers, built on five pillars: prevention, early detection, treatment, psychosocial support, and palliative care with a goal to reduce incidence by 15%.
Following six universities: Addis Ababa University, University of Gondar, Haramaya University, Hawassa University, Mekelle University, and Jimma University signed MoU with the Ministry of Health to support the expansion of cancer registries and strengthen research infrastructure.
This initiative marks a new era of collaboration, data-driven care, and African-led excellence in oncology.
