With the financial support of individual philanthropists, organizations and institutions, AORTIC International was able to accomplish part of its commitment with the successful staging of the IV^th International Conference in Africa. The event which took place from the 6^th to the 10^th of October 2003 in Accra, Ghana, attracted a total of 108 registered participants, including 83 who were resident in 17 African countries, and 25 from Europe and North America. Tentative agreements were reached to base the Headquarters of AORTIC at the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana. The conference also elected Dr. Seth Ayittey of Ghana as President, and Dr. Lyn Denny of South Africa as Secretary-Treasurer.

The theme of the conference “Meeting the challenges of the 21^st century” was fully addressed in the series of presentations, beginning with the keynote address of Dr. Olajide Ajayi of Nigeria titled “The Crossroads of cancer and health in Africa”. He advocated “the re-orientation of the political leadership through further internationalization of health and health related sanctions, the promotion of greater opportunities for research and training in cancer within institutions in Africa, the expansion of existing internationally recognized health programs in Africa to accommodate oncology interests ……. “ The challenges of cancer control were extensively perused in the subsequent seven scientific sessions, ten workshops and two crosscutting working groups. The universal theme common to all workshops included paucity of trained staff at all levels, from administrators to health care workers. Cervical cancer, the most preventable, and yet the commonest cancer among women of Africa received appropriate exposure. Specific recommendations included the use of alternative methods of screening for cervical cancer, such as visual inspection, as well as vigorous pursuit of preventable measures for cervical and hepatocellular carcinomas. The deplorable barrier to care, including the requirement for payment for treatment by destitute terminally ill patients stimulated the rhetoric question of whether health care is a right or a privilege. The need to promote cancer registration and cancer care education was also a recurring subject. In spite of the daunting magnitude of the problem that emerged, there was optimism among the participants that a new day was about to dawn for the victims of cancer on the African continent.

The AORTIC President has recently identified the following priorities in addressing these challenges: 1) establishment of national and regional cancer registries; 2) development of training programs in basic science, epidemiological and clinical research; 3) Hepatitis screening and immunization; 4) improved communication methods with members; 5) sourcing of funds for research and training; 6) promotion of palliative care of cancer with advocacy of oral morphine procurement for cancer patients in all African countries.

The challenges of cancer control in Africa that AORTIC is facing are indeed daunting. AORTIC International, having brought the Africa-based organization back to life, is committed to chaperoning its development by promoting its access to vital international links for funding and technical assistance. For further information about AORTIC, please, send your inquiries to infomail@aortic.org or visit www.aortic.org.