A research project from RCSI’s Institute of Global Surgery aimed at strengthening breast cancer care in Malawi has been awarded a €350,000 grant from Research Ireland.

The Akazi 2 project, led by Dr Jakub Gajewski builds on the success of the original Akazi initiative, which partnered with Malawi’s Ministry of Health to identify gaps in breast cancer care, deliver the country’s first breast-health training for frontline health workers, and engage communities to increase awareness and reduce stigma.

Akazi 2 will expand this work by examining the entire patient pathway, from initial presentation and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, to develop evidence-based recommendations to improve services at every stage.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in low-income countries and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. In Malawi, fewer than one in ten women with breast cancer survive beyond 18 months, reflecting the challenges of late detection, referral delays and limited treatment options.

Akazi 2 will work in collaboration with clinicians, nurses, patient advocacy groups and national decision-makers to:

• Analyse the breast cancer care pathway and identify bottlenecks.
• Develop and test supportive interventions for women at critical points in the care journey.
• Establish national guidelines to standardise diagnosis, referral and treatment practices.

Dr Gajewski, Principal Investigator of Akazi 2 and Research Programme Director at the RCSI Institute of Global Surgery, said: “Our objective is to generate practical, sustainable solutions that can be integrated into the Malawian health system to improve early detection, streamline referrals and enhance both pre- and post-operative care. By working closely with local partners, we aim to strengthen the system in ways that will improve outcomes and survival for women with breast cancer.”

This new funding follows national recognition for Dr Gajewski, who earlier this year received the Impact Award at Ireland’s Researcher of the Year (IRC legacy) Awards for research that delivers tangible benefits to society, including his leadership of the Akazi project.

The funding for Akazi 2 has been provided through Research Ireland’s Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges (COALESCE) programme which supports excellent research across a broad range of disciplines, tackling national and international challenges.

Akazi is led by the RCSI Institute of Global Surgery (School of Population Health) in partnership with the Malawi Ministry of Health and civil society organisations. The programme is committed to advancing breast cancer care in Malawi through rigorous research, health system collaboration and evidence-informed policy development.