Omar Abdihamid: I Have Been Elected Vice-President of AORTIC East Africa

African Cancer Leadership Initiative (ACLI)

This year’s meeting was especially meaningful as I also had the privilege of being elected AORTIC Vice President–East Africa (2025–2027).

• Leadership development and supporting women in oncology research
• Grant acquisition and capacity building for emerging African investigators
• Global oncology training and fellowships, shaping future leaders
• Research integrity and clinical trial rigor, including tools for Africa-appropriate trial appraisal
• Precision medicine, gender equality, and multi-country collaborations
• Medical tourism, ethics, and policy gaps in African cancer care

Contributions to ACLI Sessions

I contributed to discussions on clinical trials quality, research integrity, and the future direction of ACLI, including presenting the draft ACLI 2026 framework.

Future Vision

The message was clear: Africa has the talent, vision, and leadership to shape its own oncology research agenda. What is needed now is sustained investment, mentorship, and strong continental networks.

Role as Vice President–Elect for East Africa

As Vice President–Elect for East Africa, I look forward to working with colleagues across the region to strengthen research ecosystems, build workforce capacity, and advocate for patient-centered cancer policies.