UICC highlights cancer priorities at WHA78 through high-level side events

UICC will play an active role at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), taking place from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, through a series of key engagements focused on strengthening global cancer control. This includes the organisation of two official side events addressing priority issues for UICC and its members: lung health and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

On Wednesday 21 May, UICC is co-hosting ‘The integrated lung health resolution: creating a unified approach to prevention, early identification and care’ with the Government of Malaysia. This event focuses on the implementation of a resolution on integrated lung health and its relevance for lung cancer, which UICC is supporting as part of its lead role in the Lung Cancer Collaboration. Panellists will explore opportunities for multisectoral collaboration to improve prevention, diagnosis, and care across lung diseases, with Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, highlighting how unified policy approaches can support earlier diagnosis, coordinated prevention efforts, and improved patient care.

The same day, in the morning, UICC is co-organising ‘Mobilising action on AMR for better cancer care’, with the Health Diplomacy Alliance, CARB-X, the Norwegian and Swedish Cancer Societies, GARDP and the IDA Foundation. Antimicrobial resistance poses a growing threat to effective cancer treatment and care, and this side event will examine opportunities to align AMR and cancer strategies.

The session will notably feature technical and policy-focused discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions for strengthening infection control in cancer care. Speakers will consider how cancer care can benefit from strengthened policies, particularly in ensuring access to effective and appropriate antimicrobials. The session also aims to raise awareness among NCD stakeholders of the need for joint advocacy.

Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, and members of the Board will be participating in both events. They are bringing together Member States, technical experts, and civil society actors. These engagements are central to UICC’s advocacy at WHA78, ensuring cancer control remains prominent in global health dialogue and decision-making.

An event with partners of the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition will be held on Thursday 22 May to mark progress on improving access to cancer medicines over the past three years.

UICC is also contributing to several other side events at WHA78, including supporting the WHO event on balanced access and availability of controlled medicines. Essential palliative care and pain medicines constitute a crucial part of cancer care for the quality of life and dignity of people living with cancer, but more than 75% of the world’s population don’t have access to proper pain relief treatment.