Breaking Barriers: Ekyaalo Diagnostics’ Breast Cancer Equity Project

In October 2023, Ekyaalo Diagnostics reached a significant milestone by successfully securing a $265,000 grant from the American Cancer Society. The grant was awarded for a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing equity interventions in breast cancer diagnosis in Uganda. This ambitious initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of many, especially those in low-resource settings.

Project Overview

The heart of Ekyaalo Diagnostics’ project lies in its commitment to increasing access to breast cancer diagnosis in Uganda. Ekyaalo Diagnostics is currently led by Teja Sathi and Kim Hwang Yeo, 2023-2024 CBID Abell Fellows. With a specific focus on equity, the project seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare services, ensuring that even those in remote and underserved areas have the opportunity to receive timely and accurate diagnoses.

Strategic Partnerships for Impact

Collaboration is at the core of Ekyaalo Diagnostics’ strategy, and the team has formed key partnerships with institutions integral to its success. Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, leading medical facilities in Uganda, have joined forces with Ekyaalo Diagnostics to implement the project on the ground. Additionally, the Uganda National Health Laboratories and Diagnostics Services (NHLDS) brings their expertise to enhance the project’s impact.

Objectives: Bringing Diagnostics to Underserved Communities

The primary objective of Ekyaalo Diagnostics’ breast cancer equity intervention is to bring diagnostic services closer to the “Ekyaalo”, or “community” in the Lugandan language. Ekyaalo Diagnostics aims to increase the accessibility of breast cancer diagnosis so that there is less late-stage breast cancer in Uganda and more opportunity for rapid treatment.

Grant Approval and Funding

The American Cancer Society recognized the significance and potential impact of Ekyaalo Diagnostics’ project, approving a grant of $265,000. This funding will play a pivotal role in implementing and sustaining the Ekyaalo intervention and raising awareness about breast cancer in the local communities.

Meet the Principal Investigator: Dr. Yazdi

Dr. Youseph Yazdi serves as advisor to the work happening at Ekyaalo Diagnostics and brings a wealth of experience and a passion for addressing healthcare disparities.

Transforming Breast Cancer Outcomes

Ekyaalo Diagnostics represents a significant step towards improving health outcomes in breast cancer diagnosis in Uganda. By combining innovative approaches, strategic partnerships, and a strong commitment to equity, Ekyaalo Diagnostics is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals who would otherwise face barriers to essential healthcare services. As this work unfolds, it holds the promise of not only improving breast cancer outcomes but also serving as a model for addressing health disparities globally.