AstraZeneca, the Ministry of Health, is launching a campaign for early detection and treatment against liver cancer

AstraZeneca Egypt has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population to launch a campaign aimed at the early detection and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common forms of primary liver cancer in Egypt. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the importance of early detection of liver cancer, thereby improving recovery rates.

This initiative uses advanced AI technologies and spreads the most modern treatment modalities for liver cancer. In addition, the campaign aims to increase the competence of the ministry’s medical teams, thereby increasing the level of healthcare for patients. The ultimate goal is to build a health-conscious society and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals as set out in the Egypt Vision 2030.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, which coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health and Population and AstraZeneca Egypt. The conference was attended by Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population; the British Ambassador, Gareth Bayley; and David Fredrickson, Executive Vice President of the Oncology Business Unit at AstraZeneca.

The MoU was signed by Mohamed Hassan, Assistant Minister of Health and Population for Public Health Initiatives, and Hatem Werdany, Egypt Country President, AstraZeneca. This two-year MoU includes a comprehensive awareness campaign, spanning both field activities and social media, to educate more than 30 million citizens about the disease. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis for liver cancer patients. Furthermore, the initiative will usher in a specialized training program for medical teams, in collaboration with several international cancer centers.

This collaboration reflects AstraZeneca Egypt’s strategic commitment to strengthen Egypt’s healthcare program. Liver cancer has a substantial impact on the population, with more than 27,000 new cases annually and the unfortunate loss of more than 26,000 patients per year. Consequently, the campaign represents a critical initiative within the program to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV), as HCV is a primary factor associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the leading form of liver cancer.

The collaboration will include advanced AI technology, facilitated by global company CliniThink, to analyze patients’ medical data and develop optimal treatment protocols. Furthermore, it introduces groundbreaking international methodologies for early diagnosis and detection of liver diseases, especially liver cancer, with the aim of improving patients’ response to treatment. This initiative is in line with the ‘100 Million Health’ initiative launched in 2018, which has significantly contributed to the delivery of healthcare services to all Egyptian citizens, especially the most vulnerable segments of society.

“Egypt has emerged as a world leader in the difficult and long journey towards the eradication of the hepatitis C virus,” noted Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population. “Our ongoing commitment extends to the fight against liver cancer, and this partnership represents a critical step toward that goal. By increasing diagnostic capabilities, deploying advanced treatment modalities and delivering essential care to patients, we aim to save countless lives and improve the well-being of those affected by the disease.”

David Fredrickson, Executive Vice President of the Oncology Business Unit at AstraZeneca, said: “AstraZeneca is committed to working with governments, healthcare professionals and patient communities to build equitable and resilient healthcare systems by improving cancer care across Africa. The launch of this partnership with the Ministry of Health in Egypt marks an important milestone in this journey, and we are confident it will have a positive impact on the lives of many.”

“We are deeply committed to improving patient support and advancing healthcare through innovative programs and solutions across a spectrum of diseases, including rare and oncology conditions,” emphasized Hatem Werdany, Country President Egypt, AstraZeneca. “Our goal is to fight cancer and deliver sustainable, comprehensive healthcare solutions. This underlines our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health and Population in launching an initiative for the early detection and treatment of liver cancer. Such initiatives will raise healthcare standards in Egypt and improve the quality of services offered to its citizens.”