HCA, Centre Leon Bérard to collaborate to improve cancer care in Seychelles |27 October 2021
Dr Louange signing the MoU
The Health Care Agency (HCA) and the Centre Léon Bérard, a premier cancer centre in Lyon, France have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the fight against cancer in Seychelles.
Dr Danny Louange, chief executive of the HCA and Prof. Jean-Yves Blay, chief executive of the Centre Léon Bérard, signed the agreement in an online ceremony, in the presence of Virginie Mathieu, honorary consul of the Republic of the Seychelles in Lyon.
Both sides share common objectives and challenges in the fields of cancer prevention and cancer control. The agreement covers the following areas:
- Cancer prevention strategy and optimisation of care pathways for cancer patients;
- Support for the weekly Tumour Board through the participation of a radiotherapist and a medical oncologist from the Centre Léon Bérard;
- Education and training;
- Palliative care.
Professor Blay stated: “The Centre Léon Bérard is proud to be associated with the HCA of the Ministry of Health of Seychelles and to contribute its expertise in the prevention and fight against cancer.”
In his remarks Dr Louange reiterated the need for Seychelles as a small island developing state to develop partnerships with external institutions.
He went on to state that, “this cooperation will help Seychelles at a time when it is most needed. Cancer in Seychelles is showing an increasing trend and being a small geographically isolated island state, it is difficult to manage without the experience of well-established centres. We welcome experts and exchanges with Centre Léon Bérard to work with our team to strengthen our services.”
The signing of the MoU took place under the auspices of the honorary consul of Seychelles in Lyon, Virginie Mathieu, who is instrumental in the development of this partnership.
“As honorary consul, I am delighted with this promising collaboration and will continue to follow its progress and remain attentive to the HCA of Seychelles’ Ministry of Health and the Centre Léon Bérard,” Mrs Mathieu said.
Press release from the Ministry of Health