Arasb Ahmadian, Chief Executive Officer of MAHAK Charity Institute – Society to Support Children Suffering from Cancer in Iran, has been named a candidate for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Based in Tehran, Dr Ahmadian brings more than 19 years of experience in healthcare leadership, nonprofit management, innovation, and strategic development, with a particular focus on improving cancer care for children and adolescents.
He has led MAHAK through the expansion of specialised cancer services, research, digital transformation, and sustainable fundraising, while strengthening the organisation’s international partnerships and role in paediatric oncology.
The new UICC Board will be elected by UICC full-member organisations as part of the 2026 UICC General Assembly, which will take place virtually on October 20, 2026. Electronic voting will open on October 13 and close at 14:30 CEST on October 20.
Arasb Ahmadian’s Leadership in Paediatric Cancer Care
Dr Ahmadian serves as CEO of MAHAK Charity Institute, a leading paediatric cancer support organisation in the Middle East. Over the past three decades, MAHAK has provided support to more than 47,000 children with cancer and their families.
Under his leadership, the organisation has developed an integrated approach combining oncology care, research, patient and family support, advocacy, and sustainable fundraising.
MAHAK has also expanded specialised services, including neuro-oncology and stem-cell transplantation, while strengthening its operational and financial sustainability.
Dr Ahmadian’s professional background combines healthcare management with academic and scientific training. He holds a Post-Doctorate and Doctorate in International Business Administration, an MSc in Geophysics, and a BSc in Engineering Physics.
He also serves as a university lecturer in strategic management and regularly speaks on healthcare management, social impact, innovation, and sustainable cancer care.
Why Arasb Ahmadian Is Running for the UICC Board
In his candidate statement, Dr Ahmadian highlighted international collaboration and equitable access to cancer care as central to his decision to seek a position on the UICC Board.
He said his experience leading MAHAK has given him a practical understanding of the challenges involved in developing sustainable cancer services and supporting children and families affected by cancer.
“I believe international collaboration is essential to reducing the global cancer burden and ensuring equitable access to care.”
Dr Ahmadian said he would bring more than 19 years of experience in healthcare, nonprofit management, and innovation to the Board, including experience working across government, academia, and the private sector.
He identified reducing health inequalities, strengthening cancer systems, and expanding support for children and adolescents among his priorities.
“My objective as a Board member would be to support UICC’s efforts to reduce health inequalities, strengthen systems, and expand support for children and adolescents.”
Strengthening Paediatric Oncology and Cancer Systems
A major focus of Dr Ahmadian’s work has been building sustainable systems around paediatric cancer care.
Through MAHAK, he has overseen initiatives spanning clinical services, research, fundraising, organisational development, and specialised cancer treatment.
His approach emphasises the need to combine clinical excellence with organisational sustainability so that cancer organisations can continue serving patients over the long term.
Dr Ahmadian also highlighted capacity building and global partnerships as areas where he hopes to contribute to UICC.
“I am particularly interested in capacity building and global partnerships.”
He said his experience working across different sectors and healthcare environments has provided insight into the challenges facing cancer organisations and the importance of developing locally sustainable solutions.
Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability
Dr Ahmadian’s candidacy also brings a strong focus on organisational leadership and innovation.
During his tenure at MAHAK, he has worked on strategic planning, governance, financial sustainability, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and organisational change.
His academic background in international business administration has complemented his healthcare leadership experience, providing a foundation for strategic planning and governance.
He said these experiences have strengthened his ability to approach complex healthcare challenges while keeping collaboration and inclusion at the centre of decision-making.
“Most importantly, I am committed to collaboration, inclusion, and the belief that every person affected by cancer deserves access to high-quality care.”
A Focus on Children and Adolescents With Cancer
Dr Ahmadian’s candidacy brings particular attention to the needs of children and adolescents with cancer, a population for whom access to specialised services, supportive care, and sustainable treatment systems remains critical.
His work at MAHAK has centred on supporting children with cancer and their families while developing specialised services and partnerships that can strengthen paediatric oncology care.
If elected, Dr Ahmadian said he would seek to contribute to UICC’s global efforts to reduce disparities, strengthen cancer systems, and build partnerships that expand access to quality cancer care.
UICC Board Elections 2026
The 2026 UICC election will determine 14 members of the Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC full-member organisations will vote during the virtual General Assembly on October 20, 2026, following the opening of electronic voting on October 13.
The elected Board will help guide UICC’s work in cancer prevention, treatment, health systems strengthening, equity, and global collaboration during the next term.
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