Dr. Freddy Gnangnon

Member of the Technical Advisory Council

Surgical Oncologist and Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin

Dr. Freddy Gnangnon is a surgical oncologist and Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin), where he leads the Surgical Oncology Unit. His work focuses on strengthening surgical oncology systems and improving access to safe, timely, and affordable cancer care in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Gnangnon trained in surgical oncology at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, and has pursued additional clinical and academic training in Europe and the United States. He holds a Master's degree in Public Health, a Master of Science in Surgical Sciences from the University of Edinburgh, and a PhD in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Limoges, France. His doctoral research examined the burden and prognostic factors of breast cancer in Benin and Sub-Saharan Africa.

He has extensive experience at the intersection of clinical care, public health, and health systems strengthening. He played a central role in establishing the Cotonou Cancer Registry and served as its Medical Director until 2025. As the national cancer focal point within the Ministry of Health of Benin, he contributes to the design and implementation of national cancer control strategies, with a particular emphasis on integrating surgical oncology into comprehensive cancer care pathways.

At regional and global levels, Dr. Gnangnon has served as an international expert supporting cancer control planning and health systems assessments in several Sub-Saharan African countries, including through collaborative missions with international agencies. His work contributes to the development of evidence-based, context-adapted models of cancer care delivery in low- and middle-income countries.

Clinically, Dr. Gnangnon practises at the National Teaching Hospital (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, where he manages a broad spectrum of malignancies, with particular expertise in breast cancer and complex surgery for locally advanced tumours. His clinical practice is closely aligned with his research and policy work, especially in addressing delays in diagnosis and access to surgery.

A committed educator and mentor, Dr. Gnangnon is actively involved in training the next generation of surgeons and public health professionals. He leads initiatives aimed at developing academic programmes and expanding the surgical oncology workforce in Africa. He is a UICC Young Leaders alumnus (2021) and remains actively engaged in global efforts to improve cancer care delivery.