AMCE secures $300,000 grant for haematology research

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Endowment Foundation has committed $300,000 to advance haematology research on critical blood disorders such as leukaemia and sickle cell disease.

AMCE is a tertiary-level multi-specialty medical institution established by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London. The facility, which is due to open in June this year, aims to deliver accessible, world-class medical care and to stem the outflow of capital and talent in the form of medical tourism.

Chief Executive Officer, AMCE, Brian Deaver, who disclosed this in Abuja said that the AMCE represents a giant leap forward in reimagining healthcare in Africa and stressed that by integrating world-class medical care with groundbreaking research, the institution is laying the foundation for a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Deaver noted that the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a comprehensive cancer care unit developed in partnership with Christie Hospital in Manchester, will strengthen these efforts.

He observed that the Cancer Care Unit, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as PET, MRI, and CT scanners, is designed to deliver world-class diagnostics and transformative treatments, setting the standard for healthcare across the continent.

Deaver assured that the AMCE Abuja will deliver comprehensive oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare services, with plans for future expansion.

He said the Centre’s 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.

According to him, the construction phase, supported by global partners, will be followed by a phased rollout over six years, culminating in a 500-bed facility.

He said: “AMCE Abuja is setting new standards in speciality healthcare and patient experience across Africa. As the AMCE prepares to open its doors, it remains dedicated to its mission to advance healthcare access and patient outcomes across the continent.

“By tackling critical gaps in medical training, research, and specialised care, AMCE is not only reducing Africa’s reliance on medical tourism but also fostering the growth of a skilled healthcare workforce that will contribute to the continent’s broader development.”

Deaver observed that by tackling the healthcare brain drain and reducing medical tourism, AMCE Abuja will create employment opportunities across medical and non-medical sectors.

President, Afreximbank, Prof Benedict Oramah, explained that AMCE Endowment Foundation was established in honour of Prof Ghulam Mufti, a globally renowned haematologist and Clinical Advisor to the AMCE.

He stated that the fund will support African students pursuing medical and nursing training at King’s College, London and the AMCE Medical and Nursing School, adding that it will ensure that Africa continues to develop the expertise required to address its unique healthcare challenges for years.

Oramah said: “Africa owes Mufti a debt of gratitude. He is the tree that seeds a rich forest of healthcare facilities, restoring hope to a continent deprived of quality medical services.

“Through a series of near-death experiences and recoveries, Mufti and I built a lasting bond that transcended the conventional doctor-patient relationship. This bond of destiny gave birth to a transformational healthcare initiative aimed at saving millions of lives in Africa.”