Jozef Suvada: Mapping Cancer Care Priorities at the UN

Jozef Suvada shared a post on LinkedIn:

”Mapping Cancer Care Priorities at the UN, Reflecting on Progress and Collaboration.

Location: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland (Room XXVI).
Event: Co-creating Priorities for Cancer 2030 with People Affected by Cancer and Emergent Leaders.

As we conclude this significant meeting on global cancer priorities, it’s inspiring to reflect on the progress made. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in crafting patient-centered, equitable, and effective cancer care strategies. As Dr Bente Mikkelsen mentioned, ‘Collaboration is key to ensuring that cancer policies truly reflect the needs of those most affected.’

By integrating the voices of patients, survivors, caregivers, and families, we are making sure that the solutions we develop are grounded in the realities of those directly impacted by cancer. This co-creation approach allows us to move beyond traditional methods and foster responsive, innovative, and inclusive cancer care systems.

To quote Helen Keller, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ The challenges are vast, but through partnerships, we can bring about real, lasting change. From advancing prevention strategies to leveraging technology and improving access for vulnerable populations, our collective efforts will shape the future of cancer care for millions worldwide.

We’ve laid the foundation for meaningful progress, but this is just the beginning. I encourage everyone to take the insights from this meeting and continue driving collaboration, innovation, and patient-focused care in your respective countries and organizations. Special thanks to all the incredible teams and speakers for their leadership and dedication.

Among amazing leaders from the world were also:

• Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General.
• Bente Mikkelsen, Director, WHO/UCN/NCD.
• Moses Echodu, Programme Director, Uganda Child Cancer Foundation.
• Raluca Popa, Global Programme Manager, Childhood Cancer International.
• André Ilbawi, WHO Technical Lead, Cancer.
• Carolyn Taylor, President.
• Cherie Tulloch, Co-President.
• Jeff Dunn AO, President, Union for International Cancer Control.
• Catherine Lam and Scott Howard from St. Jude Hospital.
• Zuzana Tomasikova from CCI.
• And many-many others brilliant cancer leaders.

Let’s continue this vital work with the words of Margaret Mead in mind: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.’ Together, we have the power to change the future of cancer care.”

Bente Mikkelsen shared a post by Jozef Suvada, on LinkedIn, adding:

”Thank you Jozef Suvada for your strong support! We need Member States to support and commit!”

Source: Jozef Suvada/LinkedIn and Bente Mikkelsen/LinkedIn

Jozef Suvada is the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of BIONT a.s. and a member of the WHO Executive Board. He holds full professorships at McMaster University and St. Elisabeth University. Additionally, he is a member of the Research, Education, and Implementation Group at CURE4KIDS, part of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bente Mikkelsen is the  Director of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) at WHO Headquarters in Geneva and was previously Director for Noncommunicable Diseases and Health Promotion in Europe. She also headed the secretariat for the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on Noncommunicable Diseases. Trained as a Gynecologist and Obstetrician, her primary focus now is aligning efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals by reducing premature deaths from NCDs and employing innovation and collaboration across sectors.