East Central & Southern Africa College of Oncologists (ECSACO)

Kenya and Uganda

The East Central & Southern Africa College of Oncologists (ECSACO) was created to address a critical shortage of trained oncology specialists in East and Southern Africa, a region where cancer care is often hindered by lack of expertise. ECSACO operates as a professional body that provides standardized postgraduate training, certification, and continuing medical education for oncologists. It partners with universities and teaching hospitals across countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Lesotho, and Eswatini. ECSACO’s curriculum aligns with international oncology standards but is tailored to the resource constraints and epidemiology of the region. By producing a cadre of well-trained cancer specialists, ECSACO contributes directly to improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment quality, and research capacity. Additionally, the network fosters professional exchange, mentorship, and collaborative research, helping to build a sustainable oncology workforce equipped to lead cancer control efforts locally.