UICC, pfizer issue grants totaling US$500,000 to 20 organisations to address cancer patient needs
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC ) is the largest international cancer-fighting organisation, with over 1,000 member organisations across 164 countries representing the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, research institutes, treatment centres and patient groups.
The organisation is dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.
UICC recently, in partnership with Pfizer Oncology revealed organisations involved in the second phase of the Seeding Progress and Resources for the Cancer Community: Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge (SPARC MBC Challenge).
Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer and occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain.
Two beneficiaries from Nigeria include University of Ibadan, Run for a Cure Africa Breast Cancer Foundation, Ikoyi, Nigeria. Others include: Fundación Cáncer-Fuca, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Europa Donna Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, The Aga Khan University (Nairobi), Nairobi, Kenya, St. Leonards, Australia, Caribbean Cancer Research Initiative, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, Cancer Patients Aid Association, Mumbai, India, Societatea Romana de Cancer (Romanian Cancer Society), Cluj Napoca, Romania, Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer “Alma Zois”, Athens, Greece, Clinique medical Camassistance, Yaounde, Cameroon to mention a few.
The 20 organisations from 19 countries that have been selected will receive grants amounting to US$500,000 in funding provided by Pfizer to execute developments tackling the exact requests of women with metastatic breast cancer worldwide.
When the call was made for the application, 83 submissions from organisations in 42 countries were received and awardees were chosen through a rigorous process.
According to UICC President, Sanchia Aranda, a Professor, “There is an urgent need for greater access to comprehensive breast cancer services and support for women living with metastatic breast cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. We are glad to support cancer organisations across the globe in initiating and developing projects that will have a real impact in their own settings.” Sanchia said.
Furthermore, Pfizer Oncology is providing another US$30,000 to support the continuation of selected ongoing SPARC projects from the first round of grants issued in 2015. This brings Pfizer’s total funding of the initiative to more than US$1.3 Million.
In the words of Liz Barrett, Global President and General Manager, Pfizer Oncology, “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with UICC on this initiative that embodies our commitment to the hundreds of thousands of women worldwide who face the challenges of metastatic breast cancer every day,” she further added that “We believe collaborations like the SPARC MBC Challenge represent an important step toward improving care for people living with metastatic breast cancer around the world, including those in low- and middle-income countries who may not have access to the care and support they need.”
The SPARC MBC Challenge aims to address critical issues for people at risk of, or living with metastatic breast cancer.
The grants to organisations globally is in support of programmes that address challenges in metastatic breast cancer which includes closing the gap on patient communication and navigation of care options, raising awareness of the specific needs and challenges that face women with metastatic breast cancer, ensuring metastatic breast cancer is embedded in national breast cancer policies or reducing the incidence of metastatic breast cancer at first diagnosis.
Pfizer Oncology is committed to pursuing innovative treatments that have a meaningful impact on those living with cancer. As a leader in oncology speeding cures and accessible breakthrough medicines to patients, Pfizer Oncology is helping to redefine life with cancer.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin