The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja has performed West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer.
SBRT is a precise, non-invasive treatment that delivers surgical-level accuracy without the need for incisions.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, AMCE CEO Brian Deaver said the patient was an octogenarian with a localized lung tumor. The treatment was guided by advanced imaging, real-time motion tracking, and highly personalized radiation planning.
Deaver highlighted that AMCE’s cardiac team has also expanded its interventional and surgical capabilities. In its first six months, the hospital completed over ten cardiac procedures, including coronary angiographies, permanent pacemaker insertions, and percutaneous coronary interventions.
The facility also recently performed its first open-heart surgery, a complex triple coronary artery bypass grafting.
“These milestones demonstrate our commitment to providing complex, life-saving treatments in Africa and reducing the need for medical travel abroad,” Deaver said.
He added that fully operational oncology systems, Cath labs, and surgical theatres are closing long-standing gaps in access to high-quality care. “Our focus remains on investing in people, technology, and infrastructure so Africans can receive world-class care at home,” he said.
Afreximbank’s Managing Director of Export Development, Oluranti Doherty, praised the achievements. She said the first open-heart surgery and SBRT treatment show the impact of Afreximbank’s investment in local medical infrastructure.
“These milestones illustrate the potential of building capacity within Africa, retaining clinical expertise, and reducing dependence on outbound medical tourism. AMCE is leading a new era of health dignity for Africans,” Doherty said.
AMCE is a world-class tertiary medical facility developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London.
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