Virtual Dialogue: Harnessing UHC to close the care gap for cancer

Harnessing UHC to close the care gap for cancer

Description

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is grounded in the idea that the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a fundamental human right. When put into practice, UHC will provide all people with timely access to quality health services without causing financial hardship. However, we continue to live in a world where geography, gender, age, sexuality and a host of other factors determine the health and well-being of individuals.

2023 will see Governments from around the world come together to review if and how they have made progress in achieving UHC and map out a route ahead. The COVID-19 pandemic has set many countries and health systems back but, event without this, few countries were on track to deliver comprehensive cancer and NCD care through UHC. The cancer community will need to work with Governments and other partners to implement new technical packages, tools and initiatives to improve equitable and affordable care and putting particular focus on groups and communities who have been left furthest behind.

Picking up on these different themes, this Virtual Dialogue explored what can be done under the banner of UHC to close the care gap in cancer services for marginalised groups. Bringing speakers from across the world together, the session explored how the cancer community can use UHC conversations to develop and implement pro-equity policies, how different organisations have been working to achieve this, and what opportunities there are on the horizon in 2023 and beyond.

Recording

Speakers

• Sonali Johnson - Head of Knowledge, Advocacy and Policy, Union for International Cancer Control (Chair)
• Keziah Bennett-Brook - Program Head, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, The George Institute for Global Health
• Christine Mugo-Sitati - Executive Director, Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations
• Ravindran Kanesvaran - Senior Consultant/Deputy Head, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore