Onlep In Africa

Beyond the classroom and leadership sessions, participants of the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) in Africa took time to experience the beauty of the Volta Region through an exciting excursion to the breathtaking Wli Waterfalls and the famous Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.

The trip provided participants with an opportunity to relax, bond, network, and appreciate Ghana’s beautiful nature after a week of intensive learning and leadership engagement.

From the refreshing scenery of West Africa’s highest waterfall to the memorable interaction with the friendly monkeys at Tafi Atome, the experience created moments of joy, laughter, and lasting memories among participants from across 17 African countries.

The excursion highlighted the importance of wellness, cultural exchange, and community building within the ONLEP journey, reminding participants that leadership is also about connection, collaboration, and shared experiences.

Lydia Aziato
City Cancer Challenge
Amgen
University of Health and Allied Sciences
Julia Downing
ISNCC - International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care
Ophylia Anarfi
Enam Setsoafia
Bright Belekiah Phiri

UHAS hosted Dr. Fiona Braka, (WHO)
Representative to Ghana for the 2nd Fireside Leadership Chat.

On May 1, 2026 (May Day), the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in the Volta Region of Ghana hosted Dr. Fiona Braka as the guest speaker for the 2nd Fireside Leadership Chat under the theme “Leadership Across Borders., as part of the Oncology Nurse Leadership programme (ONLEP) in Africa.

In his welcome address, Prof. Peter Aatara, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, reminded participants that leadership is not only learned from books but from lived experiences of renowned leaders. He encouraged everyone to listen actively, engage deeply, and ask meaningful questions that would shape their leadership journeys.

Chairing the programme, Prof. Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of UHAS and the programme lead, highlighted the impact of ONLEP in Africa, a five-year funded initiative aimed at strengthening leadership in oncology care, research, advocacy, and establishing partnerships. She noted that while Cohort 1 had 30 nurses from 7 countries, Cohort 2 has 60 participants from 17 African countries, reflecting the programme expanding reach and impact.

The highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, whose powerful story captured the essence of leadership across borders. Drawing from 23 years of experience across Africa, she emphasized that leadership is service, reminding participants that true impact comes from putting others first.

She shared her journey from clinical practice to public health and her role in major global health efforts including polio eradication and emergency responses across 47 African countries. Through her experiences in challenging settings like Ethiopia and Nigeria Congo, she encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones, develop strong communication skills, and become advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.

She also spoke about overcoming shyness and growing into a confident global leader who has addressed platforms like BBC and CNN reassuring participants that growth is always possible with mentorship and determination: “Someone has already done it; you are not the first.”

The session reinforced that leadership goes beyond titles, it is about service, resilience, courage, and impact. It also strengthened connections among oncology nurses across Africa, building a network of leaders committed to transforming cancer care.

The 2nd ONLEP Fireside Leadership Chat was not just an event, it was a movement of inspiration, mentorship, and transformation.

The future of oncology nursing leadership in Africa is here, and it is rising, bold and unstoppable.The ONLEP programme pays huge tribute to the distinguished leader Dr. Fiona Braka, (WHO) Representative to Ghana
Lydia Aziato
City Cancer Challenge
Amgen
University of Health and Allied Sciences
Onlep In Africa
Julia Downing
ISNCC - International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care
Ophylia Anarfi
Enam Setsoafia
Bright Belekiah Phiri
World Health Organization (WHO)

The stage is set for the 2nd ONLEP Fireside Leadership Chat, a powerful gathering of minds that will shape the future of oncology nursing across borders.

We are honored to host Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, as our Keynote Speaker. She will share insights on the theme: “Leadership Across Borders”

The Fireside Chat is scheduled for today, May 1, 2026 at 3p.m.
at the Professor Anyidoho Auditorium, UHAS Trafalgar Campus, Ho

This is more than a conversation, it will be a moment to connect, learn, and be inspired to lead beyond limits.

Be part of the movement to shape oncology nursing leadership in Africa and beyond.

This programme will be streaming LIVE on UHASTV.


Lydia Aziato
City Cancer Challenge
Amgen
University of Health and Allied Sciences
Onlep In Africa
Julia Downing
Ophylia Anarfi
ISNCC - International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care
Enam Setsoafia
Bright Belekiah Phiri

A Story of Leadership in Oncology Nursing Across Africa
It was an exciting moment at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) on Monday, 27th April 2026, as the second cohort of the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) was officially opened.

Participants were 60 oncology nurses from 17 African countries, each carrying experiences from different health systems, yet united by one mission: to improve cancer care across Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato in her address reminded the participants that, “oncology nurses are not just caregivers at the bedside but the backbone of oncology care.” She spoke about the growing burden of cancer and the urgent need to strengthen nurses with leadership skills that go beyond clinical practice. She emphasized “this programme is an opportunity to grow and be equipped to influence healthcare systems.” She stressed on continuous learning, collaboration across borders and the power of innovation in shaping the future of health care systems across Africa.

For a period of six months, participants will journey through a detailed programme which will combine online and in-person teaching and learning. From psycho-oncology to research, policy development, advocacy, stress management, and change management, every module is designed to shape nurses into confident leaders.
The partners of the ONLEP programme – International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) and City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), and Amgen reminded participants that, ONLEP is not only about clinical excellence but about building strategic leaders who can influence policy, improve systems and advocate for better patient outcomes.
Across Africa, the reality remains the same, cancer cases keep rising and specialised oncology nurses are few. Yet, nurses continue to stand at the frontline: screening, treating, monitoring patients, administering chemotherapy and offering emotional and psychosocial support.
This programme has a vision to train 240 oncology nurse leaders across Africa within a period of five years. The programme aims to strengthen health systems and transform cancer care delivery on the continent.

As participants of Cohort 2 begin this journey, one message echoes strongly: this is more than a programme, it is a movement to shape the future of oncology care in Africa.

Lydia Aziato
City Cancer Challenge
Amgen
University of Health and Allied Sciences
Onlep In Africa
Julia Downing
Ophylia Anarfi
ISNCC - International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care
Enam Setsoafia
Bright Belekiah Phiri

🎉 **Opening Ceremony of ONLEP Cohort 2** 🎉
📅 **Monday, April 27th, 2026**

We are getting ready to officially welcome ONLEP Cohort 2 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences.

📍 **Venue:** SBBS Auditorium, UHAS
⏰ **Time:** 9:30 a.m.

The excitement is building and the anticipation is growing with each passing day.

This is not just another programme — it is a journey of growth, leadership, and new opportunities in cancer care.

Passionate individuals are coming together to learn, relearn, unlearn, connect, and make an impact.

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone!!!

🔥 **ONLEP Cohort 2 is fully loaded.** 🔥
Amgen
City Cancer Challenge Lydia Aziato University of Health and Allied Sciences Julia Downing Ophylia Anarfi Enam Setsoafia Bright Belekiah Phiri Onlep In Africa

A Memorable Beginning for the ONLEP Community of Practice

The very first ONLEP Community of Practice was successfully held on Friday, March 27, 2026, marking an exciting step towards collaboration, learning and professional growth.

We were honored to host our guest speaker, Isabella Naana Akyaa Asante, who delivered an insightful and thought-provoking session on the topic: “The Oncology Nurse Leader as a Strategic Business Partner.”

Her presentation challenged participants to rethink their roles not just as professionals, but as key contributors to organizational success. She emphasized the importance of strategic thinking, effective collaboration and aligning individual efforts with broader institutional goals.

What made the session even more impactful was the fact that she shared her personal journey as an entrepreneur. She explained how she successfully built and managed her business alongside her professional career, highlighting resilience, vision and the courage to take bold steps and risks. Her story was a true testament to resilience, determination and continuous growth.

The session was highly interactive, filled with practical insights and real-life examples that inspired participants to become more proactive, innovative and impactful in their respective fields.

This first gathering sets a strong foundation for future engagements and we look forward to many more sessions that will continue to empower and transform our community.

Together, we learn. Together, we grow. Together, we lead !!


Lydia Aziato
Amgen
City Cancer Challenge

University of Health and Allied Sciences
Ophylia Anarfi

The Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) in Africa has reached a beautiful moment as the maiden cohort proudly completes their journey and graduates as empowered oncology nurse leaders.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in deep learning, mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on leadership activities that strengthened their skills and widened their vision for cancer care on the continent. From their first virtual session to their final presentations, each nurse demonstrated passion, dedication, and a commitment to elevating oncology nursing in their home institutions and beyond.
Their graduation is not just a ceremony, it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the emergence of leaders who are ready to make meaningful impact in cancer care across Africa.
City Cancer Challenge
Amgen
University of Health and Allied Sciences
Lydia Aziato
Ophylia Anarfi
Onlep In Africa
Leya Isncc