Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Health of Zambia for greater access to cancer medicines

UICC has reached an important milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health of Zambia on behalf of the ATOM Coalition. Zambia is among 46 low- and lower middle-income countries chosen by the UICC-led ATOM Coalition to support its mission of improving access to essential cancer diagnostics and medicines.

This partnership also furthers the ATOM Coalition's efforts to work closely with countries to expand access to essential, quality-assured cancer medicines. It marks an important step towards equitable access to life-saving oncology treatments in the low- and lower-income countries targeted by the ATOM Coalition.

The MoU marks the third in the ATOM Coalition country engagements, following those signed with Mongolia in 2023 and El Salvador earlier this year.

"The MoU underscores the commitment of Zambia's Ministry of Health to harness the Coalition's resources in overcoming existing challenges related to cancer in Zambia, including barriers to screening, treatment, and care.”
– Dr. Dan Milner, Executive Director, ATOM Coalition

The MoU also aims to support Zambia’s health financing diagnostics, with the Ministry of Health and the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) committed to leveraging the extensive network of Coalition partners to enhance national cancer care capacity.

"As a two-time cancer survivor, I understand the crucial importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. This collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the ATOM Coalition has the potential to be a game changer, significantly improving access to life-saving care."
– Udie Soko, Founder and Executive Director, Zambia Cancer Society

The Zambia Cancer Society, a UICC member, hosts the national Secretariat for the ATOM Coalition. The organisation has played an invaluable role in facilitating the agreement and continues to strengthen ties with key stakeholders.