Pfizer External Research & Grants’ “Improving Breast Cancer Quality of Care via Meaningful Capacity Building in Sub-Saharan Africa,” powered by EveryGrant® has announced grants totaling more than $900,000 for addressing inequities and improving the quality of breast cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 180 proposals were received from across 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, and 12 grants were awarded, making this a highly competitive process and demonstrating the need for such opportunities in this region of the world.

This is the fourth grant program Pfizer has created with the help of EveryGrant, an end-to-end grants management service by Conquer Cancer.  Designed specifically for the cancer community, EveryGrant acts as the liaison between researchers and grant programs. The first Pfizer program launched in 2021 and supported six research projects to identify disparities in care delivery and treatment outcomes for patients of color with mBC across the United States. The resulting success facilitated future grant programs with the same goal of improving patient care on a global scale, including nine grants in Latin America, 12 grants in Southeast Asia, and additional projects in development. 

In developing the grant program for Sub-Saharan Africa, Pfizer not only relied on Conquer Cancer’s EveryGrant for project management, but they also worked with the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO’s) Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Council to provide scientific expertise, review, and regional context. By working with ASCO’s regional councils, Pfizer ensured that the RFP and the funded projects would accurately reflect the needs of breast cancer patients in the region. Awardees will be invited to participate in career development, education, and networking opportunities provided by Global Bridges Healthcare Alliance.

“The Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Council had a very positive experience working with Pfizer” said Alex Mutombo, MD, the regional council lead for the grant review. “They, and Conquer Cancer’s EveryGrant, were tremendous partners and I know that the applicants we have chosen to support with this grant are going to make an impact in their local communities and countries. 

Improving Breast Cancer Patient Quality of Care Via Meaningful Capacity Building in Sub-Saharan Africa Awardees: 

Biniyam Deressa, MD 

Adama Hospital Medical College 

Ethiopia 

“Evaluation of Stronger Together Peer-to-Peer Support Toolkit for Breast Cancer Patients In Ethiopia” 

Mwando Chitula, MD 

Cancer Disease Hospital 

Zambia 

“Geriatric Medicine Capacity-building Through Project ECHO to Improve Outcomes in Geriatric Breast Cancer Patients at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia” 

Doudou Niang, PharmD 

Université Cheikh Anta Diop 

Senegal 

“Improving Molecular Characterization of Breast Cancer in Senegal” 

Hollande Kanyiki Bambi, MD 

Centre Hospitalier du Mont-Amba 

The Democratic Republic of Congo 

“Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Tablet-based Mobile Health Ultrasound in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” 

Amare Gebregzi, MS 

Ethiopian Association of Anesthetists 

Ethiopia 

“Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer Surgery: Integrating Enhanced Recovery Protocols to Reduce Hospital Stays and Complications” 

Yekosani Mitala, MD 

Mbarara University of science and Technology 

Uganda 

“Empowering Breast Health: Integrating Animation and Quality Improvement in Rwampara, Uganda” 

Emmanuel Luyirika, MFM, MPA, BPA, MB, CHB 

African Palliative Care Association 

Uganda 

“Breast Cancer Destigmatization Video” 

Naghib Bogere, MBChB, MMED 

Uganda Cancer Institute 

Uganda 

“Transforming Breast Cancer Care in Uganda: Aligning the Uganda Cancer Institute with Global Best Practices for Patient-Centered Excellence” 

Hawa Nalwoga, MD, PhD 

School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science 

Uganda 

“Innovative breast cancer screening to increase early detection in Uganda” 

Susan Siabi, BDS, MPH, MA M&E, FIHI, FISQua, CPPS 

University of Ghana Medical Centre 

Ghana 

“Improving Breast Cancer Treatment Adherence Through Knowledge and Psychological Support” 

Sarah Nyagabona, MD 

Muhimbili National Hosptial 

United Republic of Tanzania 

“A Patient Navigation Program to Transform Breast Cancer Care at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania” 

Pathy Motema Demba, MD, MPH 

Centre National de Lutte contre le Cancer du Ministère de la Santé Publique de la RDC 

The Democratic Republic of Congo 

“Projet d'amélioration d'accès et de la qualité des soins liés au cancer du sein dans la ville de Kinshasa” 
 

ASCO’s regional councils guide the application of ASCO programs, products, and services to address barriers to quality cancer care and to support ASCO members in their regions. They also help members get involved in ASCO initiatives and serve as liaisons between ASCO and their national societies. There are currently regional councils in Latin America, Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe.