• Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, a situation worsened by late diagnoses and limited access to advanced medical care. In Africa, over 90% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a five-year survival rate of less than 1%.
• AstraZeneca has launched groundbreaking initiatives, including advanced diagnostic programs and collaborations aimed at improving early detection and treatment.

In observance of World Lung Cancer Day, AstraZeneca has today highlighted its contributions to improving lung cancer outcomes in Africa and emphasised the critical importance of early detection for improved health outcomes.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with an estimated 2 million diagnoses and 1.8 million deaths annually.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2020, the incidence of lung cancer in various regions of Africa is as follows:

South Africa is 27.5 and 9.3, North Africa is 19.3 and 3.5, East Africa 4.2 and 3.0, Middle Africa 3.4 and 1.8, and West Africa is 2.8 and 1.8 all per 100,000 for males and females, respectively.

The situation is worsened by late diagnoses and limited access to advanced medical care. In Africa, over 90% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a five-year survival rate of less than 1%. Early detection through regular screening can significantly improve these grim statistics.

AstraZeneca is committed to enhancing health outcomes for lung cancer patients through initiatives that support prevention, early detection, and patient advocacy, and aims to ensure that advanced treatments are accessible to all who need them.

One such intervention is the Connect to Care initiative, developed in collaboration with Axios International.

This program is designed to improve the diagnostic journey for lung cancer patients by ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses.

Introduced in partnership with local medical associations, including the Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists, Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology, and Kenya Association of Radiologists, the program focuses on multidisciplinary collaboration, which is critical in the diagnostic and treatment journey of lung cancer patients.

African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, Deepak Arora, said, “Our mission at AstraZeneca is to bridge the gap in lung cancer care across Africa.

By improving access to diagnostics and treatments, we aim to transform the landscape of lung cancer outcomes on the continent. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote early detection and patient advocacy, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.”

The Diagnostic Patient Navigation programme is another significant initiative, which supports patients from the initial suspicion of lung cancer through to a confirmed diagnosis.

This programme aims to facilitate timely access to diagnostic facilities, provide essential information to empower patients, and ensure the proper handling and delivery of tissue specimens for EGFR testing in Kenya.

EGFR gene mutation is a crucial biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis, guiding targeted therapy treatment options.

AstraZeneca has also supported the installation of EGFR testing capabilities in partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital, addressing the fragmented cancer diagnostic landscape in Kenya by building a referral network to streamline diagnosis and treatment pathways.

Additionally, AstraZeneca has commenced molecular testing in Nigeria, marking a significant advancement in oncology care in the region.

This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, aims to provide precise lung cancer diagnoses to numerous patients. The programme includes training key pathologists and healthcare professionals and officially commissioning EGFR testing in Abuja.

By improving access to advanced diagnostics and fostering timely treatment initiation, AstraZeneca’s initiatives are poised to transform lung cancer care and outcomes in Africa, demonstrating their commitment to equitable healthcare access and patient advocacy.

Dr Khomotso Mashilane, medical director at AstraZeneca, said,

“Early detection and precise diagnosis are pivotal in improving lung cancer outcomes. Our initiatives are designed to streamline the diagnostic pathway and enhance patient care. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to bring advanced diagnostic capabilities to more regions, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment.”

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against a formidable disease. Through awareness, early detection, and equitable access to advanced treatments, AstraZeneca is committed to changing the landscape of lung cancer care in Africa.

By working together and taking action, we can improve outcomes and save lives.

Through the Cancer Care Africa (CCA) initiative, AstraZeneca is partnering with NICRAT to provide every patient with an equal chance for cure through early detection, screening, and diagnostics.

This initiative is about the present and building a sustainable future for cancer care in Nigeria.

The initiative, delivered under the umbrella of Accelerating Change Together for Cancer Care, is a coalition of technology, policy, research pioneers, and NICRAT seeking to improve the patient cancer journey experience.

This collaboration focuses on impactful initiatives across four main pillars:

1. Enhanced Screening and Diagnostics: AstraZeneca will establish partnerships with Abuja National Hospital, NSIA-LUTH, and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu in setting linkages for access to molecular testing within Nigeria.

The initiative will also explore screening support for patients across breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

2. Capacity and Capability Building: AstraZeneca, collaborating with the Guandong Academy of Medical Sciences, will provide Nigeria-China cross border capacity building for multidisciplinary teams from chosen centres of excellence. Additionally, the initiative will enhance pathology expertise through pathologist training across Nigeria and provide oncology training for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs).

3. Patient Empowerment: AstraZeneca is deeply committed to working with patient association groups to reach the right communities, focusing on education and awareness.

4. Access to Medicines: AstraZeneca is unwavering in its commitment to expanding access to innovative treatment and establishing patient support/affordability programs to enable enhanced access for Nigerian patients. This commitment is a testament to our dedication to improving cancer care in Nigeria.

Deepak Arora, Country President African Cluster at AstraZeneca, highlighted the programme’s potential:

“At AstraZeneca, we are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities, to build resilient healthcare systems and improve access to innovative cancer treatments for patients throughout Africa. This marks a significant milestone in this journey, and we are confident that it will positively impact the lives of many, bringing science to life. This commitment underscores our dedication to empowering patients in their fight against cancer.”

On his part, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, the director general of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), applauded AstraZeneca for the initiative, describing it as brilliant and timely.

“NICRAT which is the leading government agency with the mandate to provide national leadership in cancer research, improve cancer treatment, prevention and care in Nigeria is committed to supporting this initiative to the later.

“With the formal launch of this initiative today by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, NICRAT believes strongly that it will boost our effort towards achieving improved cancer screening and diagnosis, expand access to innovative treatment and also contribute immensely in building the capacity of all categories of experts in the cancer space in Nigeria,” says Prof. Malami, the Director General of NICRAT.

Cancer Care Africa is AstraZeneca’s response to the growing cancer burden on the African continent, and the company aims to successfully collaborate and partner with government entities, NGOs, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to address the urgent need for action.

The purpose; to advance groundbreaking health tech innovations aimed at improving health outcomes across the world.

For many of these individuals, AstraZeneca is more than just a workplace; it’s a second home where their ideas are refined, their voices are heard, and their potential is realised, all feeding into a culture of excellence and a commitment to innovation.

AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company, is known for its dedication to scientific excellence and breakthrough innovations.

Beyond research and scientific development, the company places a strong emphasis on fostering a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being and satisfaction of its employees.

By cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential, AstraZeneca is driving positive change within the company and across the healthcare landscape.

The journey to create this culture of excellence starts with the company’s leaders, who set the tone for a vibrant and inclusive workplace.

By focusing on employee satisfaction, diversity, and well-being, AstraZeneca’s leadership has laid the foundation for a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.

This commitment to a positive workplace culture supports the company’s business objectives and leads to meaningful contributions to society and a significant impact on the world of medicine.

Prioritising Employee Well-being and Satisfaction 

AstraZeneca’s approach to employee well-being is rooted in creating a safe and energising work environment, going beyond standard health benefits and safety measures.

The company strives to create a workplace where employees feel cared for and supported, enabling them to bring their best selves to work every day by providing the right training, equipment, and support to ensure employees feel secure and healthy at work.

Initiatives such as Wellness Days, health-related webinars, and driver safety training for field force members help promote overall well-being.

Additionally, AstraZeneca places a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and supportive culture through programmes like the Pulse Task Force and iCAN Programme, which enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.

One memorable moment that showcases the company’s commitment to its employees occurred during a global health crisis.

As many companies struggled to adapt, AstraZeneca quickly implemented initiatives such as remote work policies and virtual health resources to ensure the safety and well-being of its workforce.

These efforts protected employees and strengthened their trust in the company, further solidifying AstraZeneca’s reputation as a top employer.

Fostering Innovation in the Workplace

Innovation is a key driver of AstraZeneca’s success, and the company employs various strategies to nurture this culture. Through challenges centred on early screening, diagnosis, and brand promotion, AstraZeneca encourages its teams to think creatively and collaborate effectively.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) simplifies processes and improves efficiencies, enabling innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Unique initiatives like Omni Congress bring virtual hybrid congresses to healthcare professionals (HCPs), providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Programmes such as iDevelop focus on emerging tech trends and nurture talent with insights from next-generation technologies. The Africa Innovation Hub further demonstrates AstraZeneca’s commitment to fostering innovation by providing external mentorship and partnerships to drive progress in healthcare systems.

Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

AstraZeneca’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a corporate initiative; it is a fundamental part of the company’s identity.

The company’s I&D mission seeks to create an inclusive and equitable environment where all employees feel valued and respected.

By embedding DEI into its ways of working, AstraZeneca aims to build a diverse leadership and talent pipeline that supports innovation and excellence.

The company’s focus on inclusion, diversity, and impact helps advance societal change through health equity and clinical trial diversity.

AstraZeneca understands that a diverse workforce brings unique perspectives and experiences, which drive innovation and allow the company to better serve its patients and communities. For instance, AstraZeneca’s African Cluster boasts 57% female representation overall, with over 42% females at every career level.

This diversity fuels creativity and allows the company to address complex challenges with fresh, inclusive perspectives.

AstraZeneca’s dedication to cultivating a culture of excellence is evident in its commitment to employee well-being, innovation, and DEI.

By prioritising these values, the company has become a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry and a role model for others seeking to foster a positive workplace environment.

External recognitions such as Top Employer certification in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, as well as BPTW certification in French-speaking Africa, are a testament to the positive strides the company is making in this space.

With continuous investment in its employees, AstraZeneca is poised to drive meaningful change in the world of medicine and set a benchmark for others in the industry.

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*The writer, Shelleny Govender-Dhooma, is a Chartered HR Professional with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). She serves as the African Cluster HR Director at AstraZeneca and is a member of the Leadership Team, where she provides inspirational leadership and implements best practices and strategies.

• The UN Environment Programme has made an urgent call to action to #GenerationRestoration, focusing on three priorities: reviving lands, ending desertification, and securing water.

• By 2030, AstraZeneca aims to plant and maintain 200 million trees across six continents through AZ Forest.

In recognition of World Environment Day 2024 under the theme; ‘land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience’, AstraZeneca has highlighted its commitment to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss—two of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Aligned with the UN Environment Programme’s call to action for #GenerationRestoration focused on three priorities: reviving lands, ending desertification, and securing water, AstraZeneca through the AZ Forest reforestation programme and comprehensive water stewardship initiatives is enabling the interconnectedness of environmental health and human health, fostering resilience against climate change, improving air and water quality, and supporting biodiversity.

By 2030, AstraZeneca aims to plant and maintain 200 million trees across six continents through AZ Forest. This global project, which focuses on agroforestry, regraded agricultural land, and natural forest restoration, collaborates with local people and landscape restoration specialists, and is made to optimize the co-benefits of reforestation, which include lowering the risk of natural disasters, promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and safeguarding biodiversity.

Deepak Arora, Country President, African Cluster at AstraZeneca, said,

“At AstraZeneca, we recognise that the well-being of our planet is fundamentally connected to the health of its inhabitants. Our dedication to environmental sustainability in Africa, exemplified by projects like AZ Forest and our comprehensive water stewardship efforts, goes beyond tree planting and water conservation. It’s about nurturing resilience and enhancing the quality of life of the communities we serve. This World Environment Day, we are proud to stand alongside local partners and communities to protect our environment and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.”

In Ghana’s Atebubu and Sene West districts, AstraZeneca is partnering with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance and New Generation Plantation Technical Assistance to restore over 8,000 hectares of degraded land.

By the end of 2023, 23 communities were engaged, and over 3.8 million trees were planted. This community-led project aims to plant 4.7 million trees and includes environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to monitor freshwater biodiversity impacts.

Towards protecting the water basins, AstraZeneca also said it is committed to enhancing water quality, promoting efficient use, and safeguarding ecosystems.

“We are working with local communities to identify shared challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and habitat loss. Through these collective efforts, we aim to enhance water security and resilience against climate-related impacts. So far, we have implemented rainwater harvesting systems and constructed wetlands to improve water quality and availability for local communities. These efforts are part of our broader commitment as members of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), where we actively participate in advancing good water stewardship practices across our sites.

“We are working closely with our industry peers to craft a pioneering Roadmap to Nature Positive tailored specifically for the pharmaceutical sector.

“This roadmap is designed to expedite business involvement and initiatives aimed at achieving the overarching societal objective of nature positivity.

“By providing sector-specific guidance, our collective efforts seek to drive tangible progress and ensure a sustainable future for both the pharmaceutical industry and the environment”, a statement by AstraZeneca reads.

AstraZeneca’s initiatives in global reforestation and water stewardship reflect our commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Through these collaborative efforts, we are actively contributing to the preservation of our planet. By nurturing partnerships and leveraging innovative solutions, we are forging a path towards a greener, healthier future for generations to come. Let us continue to unite in our mission to restore and safeguard our environment, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all”, it stated.

Through a co-creation approach, the initiative will foster collaboration among the oncology community.

Nakhumicha Wafula EGH, cabinet secretary for Health, Kenya, Dr Elias Melly, CEO, National Cancer Institute of Kenya and Dave Fredrickson, executive vice-president, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca attended an event today in Nairobi, Kenya marking the launch of this program.

Cancer has become a major public health concern in Kenya and across Africa. Latest figures from the World Health Organization show there were 44,726 cancer cases and 29,317 cancer deaths in Kenya in 2022.

This is set against a regional context that estimates 2.1 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths annually by 2040 across Africa.

Despite recent increases in resources invested in cancer, several critical barriers still hinder progress including a lack of disease awareness, limited diagnostic capabilities, an absence of structured screening programmes, and challenges in accessing treatment.

To tackle these barriers, each country we work with develops initiatives across our four pillars of action:

• Building Capacity and Capabilities: We are committed to supporting more than
  100 oncology centres and providing training for more than 10,000 healthcare professionals to improve quality of care delivered to patients across the continent.
• Enhancing screening and diagnostics: We will enhance screening and diagnostics provision for one million people across lung, breast and prostate cancer, to improve patient outcomes and reduce health system burden through acting early approaches.
• Empowering patients: We will ensure we address the real needs of patients through engagement with local PAGs to support increased disease awareness and informed patient decision-making.
• Enabling access to medicines: We will enhance the availability of critical cancer medicines by introducing flexible models that can provide access to our innovative treatments.

Ahead of the launch, Cancer Care Africa has already donated ultrasound biopsy machines to seven hospitals across Kenya to enhance early prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as donating the country’s first biomarker testing machine for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations to Aga Khan University Hospital.

Hon. Nakhumicha S. Wafula EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya, said,

“The launch of the Cancer Care Africa programme in Kenya is a significant step towards improving cancer care for all. This collaborative initiative has the potential to significantly improve access to diagnosis, treatment, and care, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of Kenyans impacted by this disease, as well as their families and communities.”

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice-President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said:

“With an increasing number of patients being diagnosed with cancer in Kenya and across Africa in the coming decades, joint action to improve patient outcomes and safeguard health care systems for the future has never been more important. The Cancer Care Africa programme will support early detection, increase timely diagnosis, and improve access to treatment options for patients across Kenya.”

Launched in November 2002 at COP27 in Egypt, Cancer Care Africa is aiding countries across the continent to fight against cancer by advocating for policy changes to enhance screening and diagnostics, implementing health awareness and education programs to empower patients, as well as training physicians and healthcare workers and building their capacities, and striving to enable access to cancer medicines.

With these pillars, Cancer Care Africa strives to improve outcomes for all individuals affected by the disease, irrespective of their demographic, geographic, or socio-economic status.

Through the collaborative efforts of AstraZeneca through the A.Catalyst Network, and co-funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, the initiative aims to tackle immediate healthcare challenges while also devising strategies for fortifying resilient healthcare systems.

With participation from 12 countries and collaboration with 22 leading universities, Fuel Africa 2024 has united over 1200 students and professionals in 95 teams to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Embracing a spectrum of themes, spanning from disease detection and management to enhancing healthcare accessibility and climate resilience, Fuel Africa 2024 marks a significant stride towards holistic healthcare solutions combined with environmental sustainability endeavors.

Deepak Arora, Country President of African Cluster at AstraZeneca said; “Fuel Africa 2024 embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is essential for driving positive change in healthcare across Africa. We are proud to support initiatives that leverage technology to address critical healthcare challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.”

The programme’s highlights include over 30 hours of tailored learning experiences, including masterclasses, workshops, and mentoring sessions. At the end of the virtual demo day, three pioneering teams were granted pre-seed funding and committed to ongoing mentorship, propelling their innovative solutions towards implementation.

Among the winning innovations are; Tulivu.AI: A revolutionary wearable device for expectant mothers, enabling early detection of prenatal complications, SOTE.AI: an innovative diagnostic and treatment guidance system powered by AI algorithms to combat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and MedLab Diagnostics: a groundbreaking diagnostic tool leveraging serological markers and AI for early detection of cervical cancer.

Rhea Singhla, CEO of Futurize, expressed her excitement, stating;

“At Futurize, we’re excited to pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable Africa. By integrating cutting-edge healthcare innovations with strategies to address climate challenges, Fuel Africa 2024 is laying the groundwork for positive transformation. However, our commitment doesn’t cease with the programme’s conclusion. Through the FuturizeU Incubator, we remain steadfast in nurturing these innovative projects to ensure they make the greatest impact possible.”

Looking beyond the program, participants can apply for the FuturizeU Incubator program in May 2024. This initiative aims to nurture and support innovative projects with mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities, ensuring their maximum impact in the market and building the next generation of startups.

• Additionally, AstraZeneca achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the number two ranking across Africa for Best Places to Work, further solidifying its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture.

AstraZeneca, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has secured the prestigious Top Employer and Best Place to Work certifications across key African markets, setting the standard for excellence in workplace practices.

The recognition marks the first Top Employer certification in Nigeria, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the country’s healthcare landscape.

In South Africa and Kenya, AstraZeneca also maintained the status as a Top Employer for the fourth consecutive year and has also been awarded the Best Places to Work certification in Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Senegal, a testament to its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Deepak Arora, country president African Cluster at AstraZeneca, indicates the feat is an acknowledgment of the company’s Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance efforts.

“Our recent certifications reaffirm our dedication to upholding the highest standards in people practices and fostering an inclusive, supportive, and innovative workplace culture and environment. We are particularly proud of our pioneering achievement in Nigeria, where we continue to lead the way in setting industry benchmarks for workplace excellence. These developments reflect our social commitment to a sustainable workplace environment for growth” – Arora.

AstraZeneca’s success in achieving the Top Employer Certification is a result of its continuous commitment to excellence across six key HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.

The Best Place to Work programme’s proprietary assessment analyses organisations’ attractiveness through a two-step process, focusing on eight workplace factors: culture, leadership, opportunities for growth, and people practices. Besides the employee survey, there is an HR assessment that focuses on evaluating the organisation’s HR practices against the best standards.

“We are honoured to receive these recognitions, especially as they reflect our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in working conditions across different regions. Our unwavering focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment, where our diverse teams thrive is further enhanced by this award. We will continue to tailor our practices to the unique needs of each region, ensuring that every member of the AstraZeneca family experiences a workplace that not only meets but exceeds their expectations”- Shelleny Govender, Human Resource Director African Cluster at AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca has been at the forefront of medical innovation for decades with a commitment to advancing healthcare interventions focused on research and development.

With diverse portfolios of life-changing drugs across therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, the company has played a pivotal role in addressing global health challenges, collaborating on initiatives to improve global health outcomes through cutting-edge science and technology.

The programme, which is currently present in nine countries, is designed to contribute to the prevention and control of hypertension and decrease the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) across Africa.

The World Heart Federation states that in 2019, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for one million deaths from CVDs or 5.4% of all CVD-related deaths worldwide and 13% of all deaths in Africa. Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension at 27%,  demonstrating the need for prevention and management interventions. In 2011, the United Nations set a goal to reduce the risk of premature deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases by 25% by the year 2025.

HHA contributes to strengthening health systems by working in partnership with local stakeholders to provide services such as free blood pressure screening, creating education and awareness about cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors, providing blood pressure screening equipment and training healthcare workers on guidelines to improve the quality of care.

Since 2014, the programme has conducted over 30.5 million blood pressure screenings and trained more than 9,900 healthcare workers.

Commenting on the planned expansion, Ashling Mulvaney, Vice President, Global Sustainability, Access to Healthcare, AstraZeneca said: “We believe in leveraging the power of partnerships to provide equitable and affordable access to life-changing treatments for people, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This expansion will increase our contribution to halting and reversing the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Africa. HHA has made a significant impact in supporting cardiovascular healthcare on the continent, as shown by our screening data and the number of healthcare workers trained to date. I am delighted that the programme has been recognised once again by the 2022 Access to Medicine Index, as a Best Practice for its role in contributing to access to affordable healthcare in Africa.”

The planned expansion will be to Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – in partnership with the Africa Christian Health Associations Platform (ACHAP) and PATH, who will implement and manage the programme expansion to five countries each over the next two years. Existing HHA programmes will continue in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Ghana, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, and Nigeria, with a range of implementing partners, including ACHAP and PATH.

Nkatha Njeru, Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, ACHAP said: “As one of the current implementing partners for HHA in Africa, we have seen the impact being made at a community level. Because the programme integrates into existing healthcare systems to provide blood pressure screening and other related services, we are able to boost preventive healthcare for hypertension. The level of integration into existing health services will increase under this new expansion model, offering economies of scale and avoiding duplication. Through community-based interventions and routine screening for blood pressure for all who walk through the activated facilities, we are able to identify cases of elevated blood pressure and refer them for diagnosis. As a result of these measures, HHA has been able to identify cases where hypertension status was previously unknown and link them to care.”

“The approach of HHA to leverage investments in other areas of health to reach people living with co – and multi-morbidities is a practical example of what is needed going forward in global health. PATH is active in the five new HHA countries working across global health priorities – we will leverage this work to reach many more people at risk for hypertension. Integrated services as part of strong Primary Health Care systems are the way forward to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.” said Helen McGuire, Global Programme Leader, Non-Communicable Diseases at PATH.

The expansion will contribute to HHA’s ambition to reach 10 million people with elevated blood pressure across Africa by 2025