Benda Kithaka, Executive Director and Founder of KILELE Health Association, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“‘The eye never forgets what the heart has seen’ African Proverb.
I am still reflecting on the incredible experience at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Melbourne, my very first WCLS2025, and a defining moment in this advocacy journey.
Thanks to a UICC Scholarship, I had the privilege to learn, connect, and engage with partners, friends and global colleagues committed to advancing cancer equity.
Some highlights:
- The launch of World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035. This gives advocates a powerful blueprint for aligning national cancer plans, strengthening financing, improving access, and building people-centered systems that reflect realities of our communities.
- Cancer Care Disparities are everywhere. Listening to presentations, joining a guided tour of Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, and hearing the stories by teams from Samoa Fiji and other Islands, it was evident that yes – best practice exists; but we need to tailor global solutions to our realities.
- Melbourne is far-far-away. It had never occurred to me how much of a sacrifice it is for someone to travel from Australia to give a 30 minutes lecture in a far away land called Kenya, and vice versa. We had 22 hours flying time. The jet lag, fatigue, mind fog… hats off to global experts who brave this trip, not once or twice in a year, but often; to pass on knowledge gained over the years to others. I applaud you all.
WCLS2025 reminded me that science alone is not enough, we need political will, societal trust, culturally grounded solutions, and strong partnerships across sectors. And above all, we need communities.
I left Melbourne with renewed clarity and commitment to:
- Embed the new World Cancer Declaration framework into our ACHA and KILELE Health advocacy work,
- Deepen regional and global partnerships, and connect more often to learn with others
- Continue amplifying survivor and community voices,
- Strengthen sustainable domestic health financing conversations, and
- Work with our CSOs in Africa as we prepare to actively participate in the WCLS2027 in Nairobi, Kenya.
I remain deeply grateful to UICC for the opportunity. The knowledge, connections, and inspiration gained will meaningfully strengthen my work in fostering collective action against cervical cancer, and deepen Africa’s advocacy response to cancer.
Onward… to a future where no woman is left behind.
Blessings. Benda.”
More posts featuring Benda Kithaka.
