Our vision at Varian is “A world without fear of cancer.” We want to take a moment and explain what this means in Africa. With over a million new cancer cases per annum, the cancer burden is fast becoming a priority across the African continent.1
The high mortality rate is even more alarming. Current forecasts predict almost 1.5 million cancer-related deaths in 2040, a 106% increase compared to 2018. It is our duty to flatten this curve and prevent a humanitarian crisis.2
There is a clear need for increased access to cancer care. The disparity when we compare access to care in Africa to high-income countries is stark. Radiotherapy is a key modality in cancer management, yet in many regions, it is not readily available to most of the patients who might benefit. By the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calculations, Africa is in need of over 1,000 new linear accelerators now and will need over 2,000 by 2040.
At Varian, we believe the only way to prevent cancer from becoming a humanitarian crisis is through the hard work of people living in and committed to Africa. Since 2015, we have invested in several regional headquarters employing clinical & engineering specialists dedicated to supporting the African cancer community. Varian is working closely with partners across Africa and beyond to develop and implement safe, effective, sustainable, and intelligent cancer solutions. We focus on capacity building, innovative financing, clinical implementation support, and new AI-driven technologies. Varian is purposefully driving our vision throughout the African continent.
We hope to partner with you, in driving equity of care across Africa and toward a World without fear of cancer.
Ashok Kakkar
Vice-President & Zone Head for Middle-East & Africa
José-Manuel Valentim
Director, Africa Operations