IBM, American Cancer Society, CHAI, and NCCN form a new alliance

IBM, American Cancer Society (ACS), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) have come together to form Allied Against Cancer, an alliance to help improve access to cancer care and treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa. The group aims to support healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of cancer care in the region.

In a press release, IBM reported that over 800,000 new cancer cases come up every year in the Sub-Saharan African region. This number is expected to double by 2040. Technologies will have to play a significant role to augment this need for care. In the times to come, cancer treatment will have to be made affordable to improve patients’ survival in the region.

The Allied Against Cancer alliance will look to support a network of African oncology experts and provide technical assistance to improve the quality of cancer care. The alliance will also be working with the African Cancer Coalition to execute its initiatives locally.

“This new alliance will help ensure that lifesaving medications and tools are available where and when they are needed so that health professionals can better diagnose, treat, and care for patients suffering with cancer throughout Sub-Saharan Africa,” said CHAI CEO Ira C. Magaziner.