IGAD lays cornerstone for regional cancer Centre of Excellence in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2021 (FBC) –A ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Regional Cancer Centre of Excellence (RCCE) took place in Addis Ababa today.

The ceremony was attended by the IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Ambassadors of the IGAD member states, senior Government officials of Ethiopia and development partners.

This state-of-the-art centre is estimated to cost $500 million dollars and was established by the decision of the IGAD Council in 2012.

The center is expected to be a key contributor in the global fight against cancer.

Upon completion, the centre will provide accessible world-class quality cancer care services including diagnosis, treatment, and research.

The primary objective of the centre is to deal with the growing cancer-induced healthcare challenge being experienced in the region, and train skilful and competent professionals in prevention and treatment of cancer.

The 200,000 metre square land where the centre is housed is generously donated by the Government of Ethiopia.