UICC and WISH Project in the top 100 proposals selected by the MacArthur Foundation

The project has recently been selected by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as one of the highest-scoring proposals in the prestigious 100&Change competition for a single $100 million grant.

The WISH project programme aims to empower women to become agents of change by equipping them with the tools, knowledge and support they need to help to close the cervical cancer inequity gap and, in doing so, avert the unjustifiable deaths of tens of millions of women for whom vaccination is not an option.

Cervical cancer remains as one of the most common causes of death for women globally and ranks 4th of all cancers. Importantly, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in 42 countries.

In 2018, the global mortality statistics increased to 300,000 women for the first time, and these are likely to grow, particularly in underprivileged and vulnerable communities. Current data suggests that 90% of all cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, due largely to poor access to screening and early detection and treatment of both pre-cancers and cancer.

Within ten years, the programme aims to reach five million women in two epicentres, Peru and Kenya, reduce deaths by 50% and expand into India and catalyze a global women-led revolution against cervical cancer through long-standing partnerships globally.

The WISH revolution is a joint effort of international partners including Duke University, UPCH, PUCP, La Liga, KMET, AIMS, Innovations in healthcare, GIAHC and UICC.

The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. It will showcase the top 100 proposals on the Bold Solutions Network, which was designed to help identify the most effective, enduring solutions aligned with donors’ philanthropic goals and to help top applicants gain visibility and funding from a wide array of funders.

The Bold Solutions Network will provide a menu of technical support and learning opportunities, including a variety of webinars, pro bono services, coaching, workshops, cohort support and peer networking opportunities across the network and in various regions around the world.