Ghana’s University of Health Launches Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme to Transform Cancer Care in Africa

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ghana has launched the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP), a groundbreaking initiative to train a new generation of nurse leaders to drive cancer care reform across Africa. Unveiled on July 12, 2025, in collaboration with the City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), and pharmaceutical company Amgen, ONLEP aims to address the critical underinvestment in frontline oncology nurses, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

A Vision for Leadership in Cancer Care

Prof. Lydia Aziato, UHAS Vice-Chancellor and project lead, described ONLEP as a mission to position UHAS as a hub for leadership training for nurses, midwives, and health professionals across Africa. “The Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme is a catalyst for this dream,” she stated, emphasizing the growing demand for high-quality, compassionate, and innovative cancer care as cases rise on the continent.

Empowering Nurses to Lead Change

Martha L. Ordóñez, Global Programme Manager at C/Can, highlighted ONLEP’s transformative approach: “At City Cancer Challenge, we believe in strong local leadership. ONLEP is a testament to our commitment to investing in those at the heart of health systems: nurses.” The six-month hybrid curriculum equips nurses with leadership skills, clinical expertise, and a pan-African network to drive improvements in policy, practice, and patient care.

Corporate Backing with a Human Touch

Amgen, a key partner, supports ONLEP’s focus on developing human capital. Sean Lybrand, Amgen’s Executive Director for Access to Healthcare, noted, “To support oncology nurses across sub-Saharan Africa not only improves their skills and competencies; it also leads to better healthcare delivery and, in the medium term, better health outcomes.”

Programme Details: A Curriculum with Impact

ONLEP, a five-year initiative, begins with a cohort of 30 students, including 13 from C/Can cities, with plans to double subsequent cohorts. The curriculum includes:

• Foundations of Oncology Nurse Leadership

• Health Services Organisation

• Financial Management and Quality Assurance

• Psycho-oncology

• Policy and Advocacy

• Stress and Change Management

• Networking and Collaboration

• Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Delivered through a blended format with in-person sessions at the start and end, and online learning in between, each nurse will complete a leadership project to earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Oncology Nurse Leadership, accredited by UHAS and internationally recognized.

Voices from the Frontline

Ejiaku Tochukwu Chiamaka, the first cohort’s lead from Nigeria, shared, “This programme is more than just a learning experience. It’s a bridge connecting nurses from diverse backgrounds, empowering us to share our stories and learn from each other.”

International and Government Support

Prof. Winnie So, President of ISNCC, called ONLEP a strategic investment: “ONLEP in Africa builds the capacity of nurses to lead, advocate, and implement solutions that directly impact cancer prevention, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care outcomes.” Volta Regional Minister James Gunu added that the programme aligns with Ghana’s national cancer control plan and WHO’s objectives for improved screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

A New Era for Cancer Care in Africa

With ONLEP’s launch, UHAS and its partners are ushering in a new era of cancer care in Africa, empowering nurses to lead with knowledge, confidence, and compassion. As the first cohort begins their journey, ONLEP signals a future where nurses are at the forefront of transforming healthcare across the continent.