BACA, Aventa Barbados sign cancer-care agreement

The Barbados Association for Cancer Advocacy and Aventa Barbados – the drug-maker formerly known as Collins Limited — on Wednesday signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cancer-patient support, research and public education, while advancing plans for a dedicated hospice at Coverley, Christ Church.

The partnership, signed at an official ceremony, is the first time a charity has partnered with a pharmaceutical company on cancer care, education and patient advocacy.

The agreement comes as Barbados faces an increasing burden of cancer. The rising incidence has placed financial and operational pressure on the public health system, including bed capacity at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.