Global cancer leaders call for cancer control to be a public health priority in the Middle East and Africa

As announced by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Salma, during the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in September 2011, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and WHO, the Lalla Salma Association against Cancer organised an International Conference on Cancer Control in the Middle-East and Africa.  The conference focused on two key themes: "Which Strategy for Cervical Cancer Prevention" and "Which Strategy for Cooperation and Access to Cancer Care in the Middle-East and Africa". 

Conference participants unanimously adopted the Marrakesh Call, underlining the need for: National Cancer Control Plans in each country; population-based registries; national strategies for cervical cancer control; mechanisms for joint purchasing of cancer drugs; and the creation of a regional Middle-East and Africa fund for cancer prevention and treatment. The full text of the Marrakech Call can be downloaded below.