•Uganda Cancer Institute’s cancer care home held a memorable International Women’s Day in 2024 for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. Women suffering from cancer had a chance to hear success stories from breast cancer survivors.

•Dr Annet from ACCR was one of the speakers and held various discussions on how to improve their experience of living with cancer.

•During the Easter holidays, our experienced researchers spoke with over a hundred people in Kakuuto-Kyotera (rural south Uganda) about detecting the early signs of cancer. These included Dr Annet, Dr Musoke and Sr Namuwonge.

•They also empowered people to know what is normal for their bodies and gave them the confidence to visit the Kakuuto Health Centre with any concerns. 

•This was held at St Mary’s Church Kibaale, Namutumba district in Eastern Uganda. It was held on 11th May 2024 and organized by the church leaders who wanted to celebrate Mother’s Day in style. Over 72 people were in attendance. Three types of cancers were taught, cervical, prostate, and breast

Mother’s union organized this in the Iganga district on the 12th day of May 2024 as they also celebrated Mother’s day. 32 mothers attended it and Dr. Annet taught them about breast cancer, its causes, signs, and symptoms. They were excited and requested for another session.

•This was another breast cancer awareness campaign held at the China Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru on the 16th of May, 2024.

•Cancer awareness is a powerful tool that not only helps individuals make informed decisions about their health but also has a profound impact on public health, policy, and research. Through education, prevention, and early detection, cancer awareness campaigns save lives and contribute to the global fight against cancer.

•The cancer awareness outreach was conducted on the 7th of October 2024 at Kyambogo College School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers, Constance Annet, Florence Babirye, Dr. Angella Nakiganda, and Kathryn, for representing the Ananda Center for Cancer Research (ACCR).

•During the outreach, our team engaged the students, community members, and staff in interactive sessions on the importance of early cancer detection, the risks of common cancers, and preventive measures. Educational materials were distributed, and personal stories were shared to emphasize the impact of cancer on individuals and communities. The event also featured a Q&A segment where participants could ask questions and receive personalized advice from our experts. Additionally, a cancer screening booth was set up to provide free screenings and consultations, empowering the community with the knowledge and resources needed to take proactive steps in their health journey.

On September 5, 2024, we collaborated with the Musawo Betty Care & Research Center at Club Quarters Nsangi for an important educational initiative. Led by Dr. Angella Nakiganda, our Lemonista, this event utilized resources from the Know Your Lemons Foundation to empower teenagers with knowledge about their bodies and increase awareness of breast cancer. This initiative aimed to provide critical education about breast health and cancer awareness among teenagers.

On September 7, 2024, an event was organized in Kitintale by one of our dedicated volunteers. Despite a heavy rainstorm that delayed our start time, we were fortunate to have Mr. Mukiibi join us to provide an informative session on prostate cancer for community members. This event aimed to raise awareness about prostate cancer within the Kitintale community. The session was designed to engage and educate attendees, fostering a better understanding of this critical health issue.

In May 2024, the Ananda Center for Cancer Research (ACCR) proudly participated in the Childhood Cancer Run, organized by the Uganda Cancer Children Fund. This event brought together individuals and organizations dedicated to raising awareness and support for children battling cancer in Uganda. Our involvement in the run not only helped to spotlight the critical need for enhanced childhood cancer care but also strengthened our collaboration with stakeholders working towards improving pediatric cancer outcomes. Participating in this event aligns with ACCR’s mission to advocate for better cancer prevention, treatment, and support for vulnerable populations across the country. 

This happened from September 17 to 19, 2024, in Switzerland, where we were represented by our CEO, Mr. John Alex, and Dr. Annet Nakaganda. The conference focused on the latest advancements in cancer control, featuring workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with global leaders in the field. Our representatives engaged in knowledge sharing about innovative strategies in prevention, treatment, and advocacy. Participation in this conference is crucial for our organization, as it enhances our understanding of emerging trends, fosters collaborative partnerships, and raises our visibility in the international cancer community. The insights gained will inform our strategic initiatives and strengthen our efforts in the fight against cancer.

On 24th September, we had the privilege of participating in the Kampala City Cancer Challenge, a collaborative initiative aimed at raising awareness and driving actionable solutions for cancer prevention and control within the city. Ananda Center for Cancer Research (ACCR) is proud to be one of the key collaborators in this initiative. Our role is focused on cancer control through research, education, and advocacy, working closely with various stakeholders to improve early detection, enhance community engagement, and support policy development. The event provided a platform for stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, NGOs, and community leaders, to exchange insights, foster partnerships, and reinforce collective efforts in the fight against cancer. We look forward to continuing this critical work, striving to make a significant impact on cancer awareness and prevention across Kampala and beyond.

The meeting was convened on the 9th of August 2024 to explore how the ATOM initiative can support access to cancer medicine in Uganda by addressing barriers to availability, affordability, and appropriate use of cancer medicine in low-income countries. This event also served as a formal introduction to the different stakeholders who will be collaborating in this effort.

As part of our participation, the Ananda Center for Cancer Research (ACCR) presented our ongoing research projects, highlighted our innovative approaches in early cancer detection, and proposed collaborative research initiatives that align with ATOM’s goals. Additionally, we shared insights on policy advocacy and patient education strategies that ACCR is currently pursuing, aimed at strengthening cancer prevention and treatment efforts in Uganda.