The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has officially launched the second cohort of the Oncology Nurse Leadership Program in Africa (ONLEP), bringing together 60 oncology nurses from 17 African countries in a major step toward strengthening cancer care leadership across the continent.
The opening ceremony, held at UHAS in Ghana, marked the continuation of a five-year, fully funded initiative implemented in partnership with the International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), City Cancer Challenge, and Amgen. The program is designed to equip mid-career oncology nurses with advanced leadership skills to improve cancer care systems in their respective countries.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS noted that the university has grown significantly since its establishment in 2012, evolving into one of Africa’s leading health-focused institutions. Starting with just 154 students, UHAS now trains nearly 11,000 students across multiple health disciplines. She also highlighted the university’s state-of-the-art simulation center, which provides hands-on clinical training in critical care, maternal health, pediatrics, and emergency medicine, describing it as one of the largest of its kind in Africa.
Participants in the second cohort were selected from over 210 applicants following a rigorous screening and interview process. They represent countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Seychelles. The program builds on the success of the first cohort, which graduated 30 nurses from seven African countries and has since contributed to improvements in cancer care leadership across the continent.
Speaking at the ceremony, university leaders emphasized that the program goes beyond clinical training, focusing instead on developing nurses as system-level leaders capable of influencing policy, improving health systems, managing resources, and driving innovation in oncology care. The six-month program combines face-to-face and online learning, awarding 21 credits across seven modules covering leadership, research, policy, health systems management, emotional intelligence, and advocacy.
Health officials at the event expressed concern about the rising burden of cancer in Africa, noting significant increases in cases such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancers in regions like Ghana’s Volta Region. Despite this growing burden, the number of trained oncology nurses remains critically low, making initiatives like ONLEP essential for strengthening healthcare delivery.
Speakers also emphasized the importance of addressing misconceptions and fear surrounding cancer, noting that many patients often present late due to ignorance or stigma. Oncology nurses were encouraged to combine clinical expertise with compassion, patience, and effective communication to support patients and families through difficult diagnoses.
The program aims to train 240 oncology nurse leaders across Africa over five years, with participants expected to carry out practical, problem-solving projects rather than theoretical research. Graduates will also remain connected through a community of practice that supports ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and leadership development.
Organizers described the initiative as a strategic investment in Africa’s healthcare future, stressing that strengthening oncology nursing leadership is critical to improving patient outcomes, addressing system gaps, and responding to the continent’s growing cancer burden.
The second cohort is expected to complete its training and present projects in October, after which successful participants will graduate as certified oncology nurse leaders, ready to influence cancer care systems across Africa.
UHAS Launches Second Cohort of Oncology Nurse Leadership Program to Strengthen Cancer Care Across Africa
UHAS Launches Second Cohort of Oncology Nurse Leadership Program to Strengthen Cancer Care Across Africa