Key Priorities

GETI’s key priorities are divided into five main areas of work.

UICC has a 50-year history of providing fellowship schemes for cancer control professionals. Thanks to the generous contribution of sponsors, more than 6,000 fellowships have been granted to facilitate the professional development of cancer investigators, clinicians, nurses, cancer society staff and volunteers. By giving these individuals the opportunity to travel to other parts of the world to learn new skills to take back to their own country, the programme has strengthened ties between cancer organisations worldwide and increased capacities of countless institutions.

Advocacy

Whilst there is a known global shortage of more than 4.3 million primary healthcare workers, the current number of oncology healthcare workers is unknown. What is clear though is an urgent need for skilled doctors, nurses and pharmacists specialised in the needs of cancer patients in respect with the growing cancer burden, particularly in those countries struggling to meet basic personnel needs. GETI aims to raise awareness of this shortage and ensure that the training and retention of healthcare workers is a priority on global, regional and national agendas, and that UICC members are supported as key advocates.

Training Excellence

UICC comprises a network of members, which develop high quality guidelines and curricula to develop the skills of cancer health professionals. Ensuring open-access and visibility of these tools, and adapting those that are required for use in low- and middle-income countries will improve the ability of professional bodies to develop the skills and the quality of their workforce.

Country Support

UICC is in a unique position to strengthen the ability of governments and the cancer community to implement quality training programmes at a country level. Working closely with policy makers, partners and members, GETI supports the delivery of targeted training workshops that build the capacity of the healthcare workforce to better address the issues relating to cancer control.

Leadership Development

The Cancer Leadership Programme is a key element of UICC’s succession management strategy. Its aim is to empower a new generation of change-makers who will play an influential role leading the global health community in an accelerated fight against cancer. The programme offers a variety of entry points for cancer professionals with exciting opportunities to develop their experience, knowledge and skills; grooming them for amore active role in global cancer control.