Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Day 1 at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Leaders’ Summit (WLCS) in Melbourne has been nothing short of transformative. So much insight and renewed energy!
We kicked off with a profound cultural appreciation for the original custodians of the land, grounding our global mission in respect.
After the opening by our President, the sessions immediately addressed the urgency, with Director Dr Elisabete Weiderpass presenting a stark scenario on the rising global cancer burden.
A major political win we celebrated was the progress in the UN high-level NCD discussions, particularly the inclusion of diseases like breast cancer, a critical step for securing governmental prioritisation.
The true work remains in the implementation of effective policies in member states to ensure timely access to preventive and treatment services for NCDs, including cancer. The true “game-changer” for me was the series of interactive, on-table discussions.
This format moved us beyond passive listening to actively grappling with data, sharing candid global strategies, and reinforcing a collective commitment to drive change. It was a powerful innovation that truly felt like a leadership summit designed for action.
My most critical takeaway, particularly for the continent, was the deep dive into Patient Navigation in Africa. Hearing successful, culturally specific models from countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and the Baheya Center in Egypt supported by the American Cancer Society provides a clear, promising blueprint for scaling up care and reducing our significant disparities.
Incredible momentum to build upon for Day 2! Let’s keep working together to bridge these divides and build future-proof cancer control strategies.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi.
