Cancer is claiming over 8 million lives annually. Around the globe, the disease is becoming a major challenge for national health authorities, a challenge which is only expected to further grow in size and complexity as the disease becomes more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Aware of this mounting crisis and mindful of the need to act, the IAEA's Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) has worked for more than a decade to help IAEA Member States in low- and middle-income countries in assessing their cancer burden, advise them on how best to address the national cancer epidemics forge partnerships necessary for effective cancer control, and mobilize resources to ensure that investments in radiation medicine are maximized; all in cooperation with specialized organizations and national authorities.
As part of its efforts to expand this cooperation and to contribute further to international cancer control, PACT entered into a Practical Arrangement (PA) with the Organization for International Economic Relations (OiER). Kwaku Aning, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, and Kari Aina Eik, Secretary General of the OiER, provided the signatures of their respective organizations. Mr Aning explained "By leveraging the respective strengths and specialities of both institutions, this new agreement will help to promote and disseminate the most effective cancer control practices and technologies globally."
Valid for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension, the Practical Arrangement includes three primary areas of collaboration: resource mobilization, partnership development, and communication. In each of these areas, the OiER will support PACT's strategic goals by providing access to its vast network of national and non-governmental partners.
Since 1947, the Organization for International Economic Relations (OiER) has acted as a focal point for knowledge regarding institutional partnerships, and has established industrial, economic and political networks across countries worldwide. With a varied group of global members - which include government agencies, international organizations, NGOs and financial institutions- the OiER works to support and enhance links between the private and public sectors by connecting public needs with private sector skills and capacities.
By identifying opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration, and by acting as a mediating link between organizations, the OiER has successfully facilitated thousands of productive partnerships. In the context of the recently-signed Practical Arrangement, the OiER's proactive approach to international cooperation will benefit the IAEA's Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy as it engages new partners in its continuing fight against the global cancer epidemic.
"Increasing access to cancer therapy in developing countries is one of the most important global health issues today. The OiER, with its extensive network of partners from both the private and public sector, will actively support PACT in expanding its reach and in mobilizing resources and bringing aboard a broad range of stakeholders.", said Kari Aina Eik.
