Abuja, Nigeria – 3 October 2024 – The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a tertiary-level multi-specialty medical institution established by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, is pleased to announce that its world-class, state-of-the-art facilities will include a Cyclotron which will significantly enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities across the continent.
The Cyclotron is a crucial component of AMCE, designed to facilitate advanced medical imaging technology essential for diagnosing and treating complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders areas where AMCE will specialise. This equipment will enable the production of radiopharmaceuticals, which are vital for PET-CT scans and other nuclear medicine procedures, offering unparalleled precision in disease detection and treatment planning.
Currently, West Africa faces a significant gap in access to cyclotron technology, with only one operational cyclotron in the region. According to a 2023 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the majority of Africa’s cyclotron facilities are concentrated in North Africa and South Africa, leaving West Africa with limited access to advanced diagnostic imaging and radiopharmaceutical production. The development of AMCE’s Cyclotron facility aims to bridge this gap, providing much-needed access to cutting-edge medical technology in West Africa.
The announcement was made during a site tour of the AMCE Abuja medical centre this week which offered national media an exclusive opportunity to witness first-hand the advancements in healthcare infrastructure that will transform medical care across the continent. The medical centre is on track for completion in April 2025.
“The development of the AMCE’s Cyclotron facility at our Abuja medical centre represents a monumental leap forward in medical advancement and access across the continent,” said Brian Deaver, CEO of AMCE. “This facility will not only elevate our diagnostic capabilities but also democratise access to cutting-edge treatment options that have historically been out of reach for most people in Africa. Enhancing the accuracy and speed of disease detection and treatment will play a vital role in saving lives and improving patient outcomes. By producing radiopharmaceuticals in-house, we can ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. This is a crucial step in our mission to deliver world-class, accessible, and affordable healthcare across the continent.”
The AMCE Cyclotron has the capacity to supply radioisotopes to other PET CT facilities in the sub-region.
As the healthcare landscape in Africa continues to evolve, AMCE is dedicated to setting new standards of excellence. The Cyclotron not only represents progress in the construction of the medical centre but also symbolises AMCE’s broader mission to bridge the gap in specialist healthcare services on the continent.
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About the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja is a tertiary-level multi-specialty medical institution developed by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London. It is setting new standards in specialty healthcare and patient experience across Africa. Established to address critical gaps, AMCE Abuja is dedicated to providing world-class care through innovative research, development, and education.
The AMCE Abuja will deliver comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare, with plans for future expansion. Its primary goal is to reduce medical tourism by offering advanced procedures, such as stem cell transplantation, and state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases. The construction phase, supported by global partners, will be followed by a phased rollout over six years, culminating in a 500-bed facility.
By tackling healthcare brain drain and reducing medical tourism, AMCE Abuja will create employment opportunities across both medical and non-medical sectors. Following the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, AMCE Abuja is scheduled to commence operations in early 2025. This flagship facility is a crucial component of Afreximbank’s network of healthcare facilities, aiming to address brain drain, decrease medical tourism, and foster job creation. The vision for AMCE is to shape a healthier and more educated future for Africa.