“Achieving equity in cancer care requires more than just policies – it demands the voices, experiences, and insights of those affected. Your perspective is essential in shaping a future where access to diagnosis, treatment, and support is a reality for all.”
Date: February 20-21, 2025
Location: Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, India
The International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC), in collaboration with Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), is organizing Equity in Action: Driving Progress in Cancer Care, a high-level political summit dedicated to addressing disparities in cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region.
Bringing together political leaders, healthcare experts, patient advocates, and industry representatives, the summit will foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable policy solutions to improve cancer care accessibility and equity.
The official press release was launched on World Cancer Day (February 4, 2025) and it can be accessed here: https://unite4cancer.com/world-cancer-day-cancer-care-surveys-launch-to-drive-equity-in-asia-pacific/
Addressing Cancer Care Disparities in the Asia-Pacific Region
Despite medical advancements, inequalities in cancer care persist across the Asia-Pacific region. While high-income countries have access to cutting-edge treatments, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to struggle with late-stage diagnoses, limited healthcare infrastructure, and financial barriers that prevent timely treatment.
Set against the historic Kumbh Mela, a festival symbolizing unity and shared purpose, this summit will address these disparities by leveraging global expertise and local innovation to enhance cancer care in the region.
Objectives
- Strengthening Regional Collaboration: Establishing action plans for cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
- Promoting Innovation: Exploring the role of AI, precision medicine, and translational research in improving patient outcomes.
- Mobilizing Resources: Encouraging sustainable financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships.
- Empowering Patients: Ensuring that patients are central to healthcare policies and innovation.
- Formalizing Commitments: Launching the Asia-Pacific Declaration on Cancer Care to reinforce long-term accountability.
Pre-Summit Survey: Your Voice Matters
As part of the Equity in Action summit, the International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) and SHUATS invite all stakeholders—patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates—to participate in a survey designed to gather essential insights on cancer care challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.
This survey will collect critical data on:
- Access to cancer treatments and diagnostics
- Challenges in cancer prevention programs
- Barriers to care in rural and underserved regions
- The role of telemedicine and public-private partnerships
- Training and retention of oncology professionals
The results will directly inform policy discussions and key recommendations at the summit, ensuring that decisions are grounded in the lived experiences and expertise of those working to advance cancer care.
We encourage everyone to contribute to this important initiative. Your insights are essential in shaping a more equitable future for cancer care.
Distinguished Speakers and Participants
The summit will feature key speakers and policymakers, including:
- H.E. Kevin Kelly (Ambassador of Ireland)
- H.E. Maya Jaouhari Tissafi (Ambassador of Switzerland)
- Members of Parliament and Legislative Councils from India
- Leading oncologists, researchers, and public health experts from India, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Download the Event Brochure & Agenda:
Advancing a Collective Commitment to Cancer Care Equity
The Equity in Action summit is a call to action for governments, healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocates to work together in creating a future where cancer care is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all.
Register for the Summit: Click here
For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, contact:
Anđela Škarpa, International Cancer Patient Coalition
Email: andela.skarpa@unite4cancer.com
This summit represents a critical opportunity to establish regional frameworks, strengthen collaboration, and drive meaningful progress in cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region.
