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19 February 2015

UICC calls for increased access to essential cancer medicines at 2015 Social Forum

The 2015 Social Forum - 18 to 20 February 2015 - Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

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19 February 2015: Today, UICC addressed the  2015 Social Forum on "access to medicines in the context of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health...".

UICC delivered a statement calling for increased access to cancer medicines. In particular, UICC highlighted the following key points:

“Together with radiotherapy and surgery, the administration of essential cancer medicines, including opioids for pain relief, are a critical aspect of multidisciplinary treatment for cancer. 

UICC therefore welcome the theme of the 2015 Social Forum, particularly in light of the recently adopted global framework for addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer. 

The WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs (2013-2020) provides a roadmap for reaching the 9 global NCD targets for 2025 that were agreed by all Member States in November 2013 – including a target of 80% coverage for essential NCD medicines and technologies.

If we are serious about meeting this target, it is critical for governments to begin identifying the priorities for cancer medicines to address core needs at the national level, drawing on the recommendations of the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. UICC offers its full support in this regard, and is currently working with WHO to define those essential cancer medicines.”

For more information about the Social Forum please click here.

Last update

Friday 07 June 2019

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