Roche expands breast cancer Initiatives across Africa to improve survival by 2030
Currently, about five in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Africa survive for at least five years after diagnosis.
AFRICA—Roche has outlined its efforts to strengthen breast cancer care in Africa as global leaders meet at Unstoppable Africa 2026, highlighting the need to address gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Through its Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), Roche is working with governments, multilateral organisations and communities to support systems aimed at increasing five-year survival among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Africa to 80% by 2030.
Currently, about five in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Africa survive for at least five years after diagnosis.
The burden also falls heavily on women of working age, with 89% of cases affecting women aged 20 to 59.
A 2025 study by the WifOR Institute found that delayed diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer resulted in 1.2 million healthy years lost and US$10.3 billion in lost productivity across seven African countries between 2017 and 2023.
Expanding access to cancer services
Against this background, Roche is supporting initiatives in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana that address barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of care.
In Nigeria, Roche partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) through MedServe to help unlock an investment of US$154 million.
The funding is supporting the establishment of 18 diagnostic centres, three oncology centres and three catheterisation laboratories.
Roche has also partnered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on a cost sharing agreement that covers 50% of the cost of biologic medicines for underserved patients.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Roche has expanded its approach beyond a zero-out-of-pocket basket deal for selected medicines.
In partnership with the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS) and Benthurst, it launched the Dames D’Or, or Golden Ladies, peer network.
The initiative uses community ambassadors to address cultural concerns and fears that can discourage women from seeking breast cancer screening.
In Ghana, Roche has supported the use of RedPath, an offline-capable digital application, across national tertiary hospitals.
Nurse navigators used the platform to enrol 402 breast cancer patients and recorded no loss to follow-up among 47 patients referred between facilities.
Integrating cancer services into primary care
Roche is also working with the WHO Regional Office for Africa on the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) initiative in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.
The programme has screened more than 17,500 women and supported HPV vaccination campaigns that have protected more than three million girls.
“Every woman whose life is saved from breast cancer has a future that can continue to unfold,” said Maturin Tchoumi, Area Head at Roche Africa.
“That is ultimately what the Africa Breast Cancer Ambition is about: giving more women across Africa the chance to live, care for those they love, and pursue the futures they envision. Achieving this calls on all of us to work together, bringing complementary strengths to a shared ambition.”
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