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President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr. George Elombi, has reinforced the bank’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s healthcare sovereignty following a visit to the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja.
Elombi, who visited the facility on July 3 as part of his working tour of Nigeria and the wider region, commended the Centre’s achievements within its first year of operation, describing them as proof that Africa can deliver world-class specialist healthcare.
Developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, the African Medical Centre of Excellence was established to transform specialist healthcare delivery across the continent by strengthening clinical capacity, advancing research and education, and reducing Africa’s dependence on medical treatment abroad.
In its first year of operation, the Centre has treated more than 5,000 patients from over 20 countries across four continents, reinforcing its emergence as a regional and global referral centre for specialist healthcare.
The hospital has also recorded several landmark medical achievements, including West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, the successful completion of its first complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), and two stem cell transplants.
Its advanced laboratory has processed over 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations, while its cardiac programme has completed 10 open-heart surgeries, 11 cardiac surgical procedures, 99 catheterisation laboratory procedures and 173 anaesthesia-supported procedures within the past year.
The Centre has also commenced nuclear medicine services, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging now available for bone scans, renograms and perfusion scans. Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging is expected to begin later this year.
Speaking during the visit, Elombi praised the Centre’s rapid progress and its contribution to advancing healthcare on the continent.
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“The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service. The vision that inspired the conception and construction of this facility is the same conviction now being carried forward by the medical professionals delivering care to the continent.
“The AMCE provides health services and advances Africa’s health sovereignty while affirming our collective capacity to take responsibility for our own lives and future. The AMCE is a world-class quaternary healthcare facility delivering medical services of a standard that many would previously have sought beyond the continent. Nigerians, and citizens across Africa, must take full advantage of this facility—built by African institutions with the steadfast support of our governments,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the African Medical Centre of Excellence, Brian Deaver, said Elombi’s visit marked an important milestone in the Centre’s growth.
“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centres of excellence. With Afreximbank’s continued vision and support, we remain committed to advancing patient care, research, education and innovation to strengthen health systems across the continent,” Deaver said.
During the visit, Elombi toured key clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and staff, and received updates on the Centre’s operational performance, clinical achievements and long-term expansion plans.
He thanked employees for their commitment to building a new benchmark for specialist healthcare in Africa, noting that the Centre’s early successes reflect the dedication, professionalism and shared vision of its workforce.
The Centre currently employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals from 12 nationalities, reflecting its growing reputation as a destination for highly skilled healthcare workers. Earlier this year, it also earned Great Place to Work® Certification, with 90 per cent of employees describing it as a great place to work
