UICC announced the Cancer Prevention and Control Porgram at NKBCI among the selection of a new cohort of 20 “Country Champions”, UICC member organisations who will be joining the Cancer Advocates programme in 2021. They come from regions across the globe, with significant representation from Eastern Mediterranean countries, including Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Afghanistan and Sudan.

The newly selected Country Champions will be advancing the cause of different types of cancer, including women’s cancers, with some focusing on the implementation of the Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by promoting HPV vaccination and early detection. Others plan to focus on how to finance and strengthen national health policies, and advocate for developing national cancer control plans and cancer registries.