Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo: Have you heard of the “September Scaries”?

Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo, Director, Africa & Europe, Member of the Enabling Team, City Cancer Challenge Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Have you heard of the “September Scaries”? For many of us, the post-summer return to work, school, and daily routine can be intense. But, I find the most powerful antidote to this feeling is to reflect on the meaningful work that I’m involved in. This past month has been full of such reminders, and I’d like to share a few highlights:

The completion of the Nairobi City Needs Assessment is a huge milestone in addressing cancer care challenges. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved: the City Executive Committee, Technical Leads, and Beatrice Okumu, our C/Can city manager. (Also, a shout out to Alfredo Polo, Marlene Mumukunde, Meritxell Mallafré Larrosa). It’s inspiring to see such smooth collaboration with city stakeholders to prioritize actions that will have a tangible impact.

Our City Cancer Challenge annual retreat was an energizing opportunity to align the team globally and think strategically about the foundation’s ambitions as well as connect in person with colleagues from across the world.

My first World Cancer Congress was an important reminder that no one organisation can take on cancer alone. It’s the strength of a global community of change-makers working together that drives real progress.

From there, it was straight to New York for UNGA79. One of the many highlights was the announcement of C/Can’s $10M initiative, Cities Taking Action for Gender Equity in Cancer Care. This is an issue I’m fiercely passionate about: ensuring women in LMICs receive adequate and timely care. I’m excited to see this initiative come to life, starting in the cities of Tbilisi, León, and Nairobi.

September was truly remarkable. I’m thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing C/Can team, our partners, and city stakeholders to make sure regional and local cancer care priorities are represented in the global health agenda.”

Source: Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo/LinkedIn