NGO to represent MW at cancer congress
Women Coalition Against Cancer (Wocaca) has said Malawi needs both local and international networking if it is to win the fight against cancer.
Wocaca executive director Maud Mwakasungula said this ahead of the 2018 World Cancer Congress to be held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from 1 to 4 October.
This year’s congress will be held alongside the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit to which Mwakasungula has also been invited.
To be held under the theme Strengthen, Inspire, Deliver, the congress is expected to draw cancer experts from across the world to discuss the latest cancer trends and projections, including sharing best practices and meetings with peers in cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) control.
“The congress will enhance Wocaca’s capacity and expertise through learning and sharing experiences in cancer control, in particular, breast and cervical cancer because the sessions will present innovative ideas and approaches that will help in reframing approaches to addressing problems arising from cancer,” said Mwakasungula.
She said the presentations will include latest digital tools and trends that support the expansion of effective cancer care and research, new models of sustainability for national cancer control programmes in low and medium income countries, the importance of understanding patient needs and building communities for better advocacy, the critical role of finance leaders as new allies in global tobacco control, the latest advances in cancer genomics and genetics and how screening technologies and rapid diagnostic approaches for detection of cervical and breast cancers are developing, among others.
Mwakasungula, who leaves the country today for the two events, said Wocaca will take advantage of the summit to explore networking opportunities with cancer advocates and organisations from other countries to create a platform for sharing strategies and best practices in breast and cervical cancer advocacy. The summit will be held under the theme Cancer Treatment for All.
“Our major interest will be on having a holistic approach to NCDs which are also affecting many women and their families in Malawi and Africa at large and we need networks to learn from others,” she said.
According to an invitation letter for Wocaca, the coalition has been recognised for its work locally.
“It is an opportunity for organisations who may wish to get involved in championing this important global campaign in their country,” reads in part the statement signed by the summit’s executive director Cary Adams.
