Abuja’s African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has completed its first open-heart surgery and delivered West Africa’s first stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, signaling a major step forward for specialized medical care on the continent.
Established by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, AMCE began operations in June 2025. Just six months later, the centre performed a complex triple coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure and administered cutting-edge SBRT treatment, offering hope for patients who previously had to travel abroad for such care.
“These achievements underscore our growing ability to provide complex, life-saving treatments in Africa and reduce the need for medical tourism,” said AMCE CEO Brian Deaver.
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The CABG surgery restores blood flow to the heart in cases of severe coronary artery disease, while SBRT delivers precise, high-dose radiation to tumors without surgery. The SBRT treatment was successfully provided to an elderly patient with a localized lung tumor, using advanced imaging and motion tracking technology.
With fully operational oncology systems, catheterization labs, and surgical theatres, AMCE aims to close gaps in access to high-quality specialized healthcare in West Africa.
The centre also represents a strategic effort to curb the $6 billion to $10 billion lost annually to health tourism, and to retain skilled medical professionals by offering advanced career opportunities within Africa.