Senior representatives from the IAEA and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) reaffirmed their commitment to working together to combat women’s cancers during a meeting last week to begin implementing the Women’s Cancer Partnership Initiative. This was the first in a series of meetings by the Initiative’s Joint Task Force since the announcement of the partnership at the IAEA Scientific Forum in September 2019.
The Women’s Cancer Partnership Initiative, also known as the Partnership Initiative to Increase Access to Diagnostics and Treatment of Women’s Cancers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, is a joint effort between the IAEA, the IsDB and other partners to increase cancer services for women in priority countries, with a focus on breast and cervical cancer. It builds on joint work by the IAEA and IsDB since 2012 to improve countries’ cancer control capacities.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in low- and middle-income countries, and 90% of cervical cancer deaths are in developing countries. “These are shocking figures that need to be addressed,” according to a statement by Dazhu Yang, Deputy Director General of the IAEA’s Department of Technical Cooperation, delivered at the meeting. “This partnership will enable us to advance access to more equitable diagnostics and treatment for women living with breast and cervical cancer.”
The initiative will develop and expand breast and cervical cancer control programmes in 17 countries that are members of both organizations, including the upgrade of over 40 cancer facilities, through the procurement of equipment. Over 100 cancer care professionals will be trained, and quality assurance and management in the use of nuclear and radiation will be strengthened.
“This is a partnership which will not only help women with cancer, but also entire families and communities,” said Hayat Sindi, Chief Scientific Advisor to IsDB President Bandar Hajjar. “This issue is very close to President Hajjar’s heart.”
