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By Doris Obinna
African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, has announced its art facilities that 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.
According to AMCE, 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.
It disclosed that 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, made during a site tour of the AMCE Abuja medical centre offered 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.
Speaking, CEO, AMCE, Brian Deaver, said: “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. 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.
