By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, April 28, GNA – The second cohort of the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) in Africa has commenced under the auspices of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), in collaboration with its international partner institutions.
The partner institutions are the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), and AMGEN, which are providing funding support for the programme.
ONLEP is a six-month, fully funded postgraduate certificate programme that combines online learning with face-to-face sessions and is approved by the UHAS Academic Board.
The programme seeks to equip oncology nurses with strong foundations in leadership development, psycho-oncology, stress and change management, as well as skills in networking and collaboration.
It also aims to develop participants’ capacity to conduct research and use evidence to guide oncology practice, acquire skills in policy development and review, advocacy, project planning and implementation.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, said the programme was conceived out of the recognition of the critical role nurses play in oncology care, which requires strong leadership within the specialised field.
She said 60 participants from 17 African countries are taking part in the second cohort.
Prof Aziato indicated that a total of 240 oncology nurses are expected to be trained over a five-year period across Africa and awarded a recognised postgraduate certificate by UHAS.
She entreated participants to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning, stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations, value teamwork and collaboration, and be guided by the ethos and values of UHAS, which are anchored on excellence, integrity, innovation, service and care.
Madam Faustine Asante, Volta Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, said the ONLEP programme reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare and responds directly to the evolving health needs of the population.
She said the programme redefines the role of nurses, not only as caregivers, but also as leaders within the health system.
Madam Asante noted that the Volta region currently has only eight oncology nurses, a situation that calls for strategic planning to meet increasing demand.
She said despite the limited number, the nurses continue to provide essential services, including cancer screening, chemotherapy administration, patient monitoring and psychosocial support, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
She said available statistics highlight the urgency of strengthening oncology services, with breast cancer cases rising significantly from 119 in 2023 to 216 in 2024 and 224 in 2025.
Cervical cancer cases increased from 44 in 2023 to 110 in 2024 and 114 in 2025, while prostate cancer cases stood at 421 in 2023, declined to 395 in 2024, and rose sharply to 545 in 2025.
Madam Asante said the data point to a growing demand for skilled oncology care and leadership.
She noted that health data also show a shift in disease patterns, with a rise in non-communicable diseases alongside a gradual decline in communicable diseases, a transition that requires a strategic response and strengthened specialised care.
She said empowering oncology nurses with leadership skills would not only build capacity but also transform the health system through a stronger, well-led nursing workforce.
Madam Asante acknowledged persistent challenges, including late reporting, limited patient acceptance, gaps in multidisciplinary care, and weaknesses in data management systems.
“Without strong data, we cannot plan effectively. And without coordinated systems, we cannot deliver optimal care. This programme is never more than a journey. It is a strategic intervention, well-thought through,” Madam Asante said.
She commended the organisers and partners for the initiative, saying oncology care goes beyond building clinical competence to strengthening leadership at all levels of the health system.
Professor Willie Son, a representative of ISNCC, said ONLEP in Africa would serve as a catalyst for leadership training programmes, build skills, update mindsets, and rely on strong locally trained competencies and professionalism.
She praised the participants for accepting the challenge to become change-makers and contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery.
Professor Edwin Frank, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, said oncology care is often associated with fear, uncertainty and misinformation, and initiatives such as ONLEP are essential to deepen understanding and improve care delivery.
He said 30 participants from across Africa benefited from the first cohort of the programme.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah