International Day for Human Fraternity 2026; February 4th.

FORUM: “Dialogue Over Division.” International Day of Human Fraternity 2026. This year’s theme calls on all of us to put dialogue over division. Dialogue does not mean we must agree on everything. It means we listen with care, speak with responsibility, and recognize each other’s humanity. Especially when we feel afraid, angry or uncertain. Human fraternity and the values it embodies such as mutual respect, diversity of cultures and religions, and the advancement of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue reminds us of the common values that we share as one humanity. This spirit is particularly needed at a time when many communities are divided across religious, ethnic, and cultural lines. Growing religious hatred, stigma, and manifestations of various forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities including minorities are an affront to human rights and United Nations values. Such vile acts risk undermining global efforts to recover and rebuild better in a post-pandemic era. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #4February, #HumanFraternityDay, #peace.

EVENT: On Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 to mark the International Day of Human Fraternity 2026 from 14:00 to 17:00 PM EST (New York time); The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, are organizing a virtual event for Member States, religious leaders, faith actors, and civil society representatives. The upcoming virtual event will provide an opportunity to highlight the principles and values included in the Document of Human Fraternity and renew our joint commitment to promoting mutual respect, religious and cultural diversity, and advancing dialogue. Register to participate!

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Human Fraternity 2026; February 4th.

On this International Day of Human Fraternity, we celebrate equality, dignity and mutual understanding.

By honouring these timeless values, we can help to heal our fractured world.

Too often, cultural and religious differences are exploited to fuel the fires of war, or to scapegoat others for political and economic challenges. At the same time, technology is increasingly used to stoke hatred and spread fear.

We must work harder to find common ground. This is the message at the heart of Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, a declaration co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb.

Let us draw inspiration from this spirit.

Let us reject fear and division in favour of tolerance, curiosity and respect for diversity.

Together, we can build a world based on equal rights for all and compassion — and live in peace as one human family.

António Guterres.

LIVESTREAM: The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent and international award recognizing individuals or entities across the world who lead by example, collaborating selflessly and tirelessly to bridge divides and create real human connection, often at great personal sacrifice. Honorees receive a USD$1 million prize. The Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement, Afghan girls’ education advocate Ms. Zarqa Yaftali, and Palestinian welfare organization Taawon are the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 honorees. They are being honored for their humanitarian work in this year’s ceremony on February 4th at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. An independent jury selects these individuals and organizations for their notable contributions to pressing societal issues and nurturing peace and solidarity, making an impact in their communities as well as globally. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent international award that recognizes people and entities of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world, who are working selflessly and tirelessly across divides to advance the timeless values of solidarity, integrity, fairness, and optimism, and create breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 Ceremony will be streamed live. Watch the livestream!

The Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement, Afghan girls’ education advocate Ms. Zarqa Yaftali, and Palestinian welfare organization Taawon are the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 honorees. They are being honored for their humanitarian work in this year’s ceremony on February 4th at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. An independent jury selects these individuals and organizations for their notable contributions to pressing societal issues and nurturing peace and solidarity, making an impact in their communities as well as globally. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent international award that recognizes people and entities of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world, who are working selflessly and tirelessly across divides to advance the timeless values of solidarity, integrity, fairness, and optimism, and create breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence. 

Follow the conversation with the hashtags:  #ZayedAwardforHumanFraternity

World Cancer Day 2025; February 4th.

FORUM: "United by Unique" World Cancer Day 2025. The day will highlight the importance of person-centred cancer care. Every experience with cancer is unique and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. The UICC’s Campaign recognizes that every experience with cancer is unique, and every individual has unique needs, perspectives, and stories. The organization underscored that individuals affected by cancer are united in a shared ambition to see governments implement policies to improve cancer prevention and deliver health systems that treat patients with cancer effectively and successfully—resulting in greater survival rates and longer lives after cancer. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #cancercare, #CancerResearch, #cancer, #4February, #WorldCancerDay, #UnitedbyUnique.

EVENTS: Join the WHO/PAHO on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Washington DC, or EST) to observe World Cancer Day at the webinar entitled ’’ Timely and quality access to medicines and supplies for cancer prevention and control.’’. This event will bring together experts and representatives from key organizations to address the challenges and opportunities in the fight against cancer, sharing progress, experiences, and establishing commitments to improve access to medicines in the region. Register to participate!

Objectives of the event:

1. Analyze the barriers and solutions to improve access to oncological medicines in Latin America and the Caribbean.
2. Present Argentina's experience with the use of vaccines and Ecuador as a pilot country in the implementation of the Global Platform for Access to Medicines in Childhood Cancer.
3. Explore the impact of global coalitions and platforms in improving access to essential cancer treatments.
4. Promote collaboration between key actors in the region to strengthen policies for access to oncological medicines.
5. Promote the use of the PAHO Strategic Fund for the centralized purchase of oncological medicines by countries in the region.

On February 4th, for the World Cancer Day 2025 various activities will take place globally, including the "5k Challenge" by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to participate in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking or walking to symbolize closing the gap in care. Additionally, there will be "21-day challenges" for individuals to create new healthy habits, raise awareness about cervical cancer, and educate themselves about inequalities in accessing cancer services. View the map of activities!

CAMPAIGN: Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story - stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes. The "United by Unique" campaign will begin its journey by inviting individuals from all walks of life to share their personal cancer stories. Much like people-centred care aims to see the individual behind the disease, the campaign intends to showcase real stories with unique perspectives. Whether it’s someone living with cancer, a family member, a caregiver, a medical professional, an advocate, or an ally, every person’s experience with cancer, the diverse challenges each faces, and how people-centred care could respond to their unique situation. By bringing these stories together into one place, the campaign aims to build a rich collection of voices that serves as a striking illustration of what is meant by “United by Unique”: every person is one of a kind, but no one is alone in the aim to take meaningful and lasting action against cancer. This year is all about recognizing and validating each unique experience, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among those affected by cancer;This World Cancer Day, let's come together to rewrite the future of cancer care - one where the needs of people and communities come first. Join the campaign!

STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of Dr Tedros; WHO Director General on World Cancer Day 2025; February 4th, the statement of the the WHO Africa Director-General Dr. Matshidiso Moeti on World Cancer Day 2025, and the statement of the PAHO Director-General on World Cancer Day 2025; February 4th.

Statement By Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia on World Cancer Day 2025; February 4th.

Each year 4 February is commemorated as World Cancer Day. Today marks twenty-five years of signing the Charter of Paris Against Cancer at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium. On this year’s World Cancer Day themed United by Unique, which is a reminder of the collective commitment against cancer, WHO acknowledges every patient’s unique experiences and the value of people-centered care delivered jointly by healthcare providers, families, friends and community.

WHO South-East Asia Region had 2.4 million new cases of cancer in 2022, including 56,000 children, and 1.5 million deaths. Among all the WHO regions, our Region had the highest number of cancers of lips and oral cavity, uterine cervix, and childhood cancers. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 85% increase in the number of new cases and deaths in the Region.

In the last few years, countries in the Region have made notable progress in cancer control. Six countries have dedicated national plans for cancer control, and two countries have included cancer as part of national NCD plan to strategically guide the cancer prevention and control activities. Bhutan successfully completed the Health Flagship project in 2020, where more than 90% of the target populations were screened for gastric, cervical, and breast cancer each, with screened positives being linked to diagnosis and treatment. The country is currently integrating the model into mainstream health services. Through the Cancer Anywhere program, Thailand has adopted universal health coverage approach to cancer management. Eight countries have introduced nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination. Global initiative for childhood cancer is being implemented in ten countries through a regional network of institutions. Seven countries have operational population-based cancer registries. In ten countries, tertiary level cancer care is generally available, reaching 50 percent or more patients in need. The Region has seen the fastest rate of decline in tobacco use which is a major risk factor for several high burden cancers. WHO has worked closely with all the Member States supporting these efforts.

There are, however, persistent challenges. The response to cancer control is not uniform among countries. National cancer control programmes and plans are not fully aligned with evidence or best practices resulting in their ineffective implementation. Policies and guidance on control of cancer-causing agents prevalent in the Region, such as areca nut, is lacking. Existing cancer prevention policies and programmes are not fully implemented, leading to millions of avoidable cases. Cancer services are included in health benefit packages in only six countries. Screening for specific cancers is low. For example, cervical cancer screening has less than fifty percent coverage in seven countries, which is much below the target of seventy percent required for elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Late diagnosis, when treatment is generally less effective and costlier, is common. National capacities remain inadequate to manage the increasing cancer burden. Not all countries of the Region have functioning population-based cancer registries or national surveillance systems that include cancer indicators for routine reporting. Only three percent of patients in need of palliative care are estimated to be receiving the care.

To overcome challenges through a contextualized, evidence-based approach, WHO worked with Member States and partners in co-creating the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for comprehensive cancer prevention and management 2024-2030, implementation of which was approved at the seventy-seventh Regional Committee. The strategy highlights the importance of a people-centred approach, placing individuals and communities at the heart of health systems, including cancer care. WHO will continue to work with countries in their efforts to reduce the care gap in collaboration with other UN agencies and development partners. Additionally, partnership will be strengthened with communities, civil societies, private sector and other stakeholders. It is only with joint effort led by governments, supported by WHO and partners, and through collaboration that we will be better equipped to tackle the rising cancer burden.

Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

International Human Fraternity day 2024; February 4th.

FORUM: “Let’s renew our joint commitment to promoting mutual respect, religious and cultural diversity and advancing dialogue.” International Day of Human Fraternity 2024. The Celebration of human fraternity and the values it embodies such as mutual respect, diversity of cultures and religions, and the advancement of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue reminds us of the common values that we share as one humanity. This spirit is particularly needed at a time when many communities are divided across religious, ethnic, and cultural lines. Growing religious hatred, stigma, and manifestations of various forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities including minorities are an affront to human rights and United Nations values. Such vile acts risk undermining global efforts to recover and rebuild better in a post-pandemic era. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #4February, #HumanFraternityDay,#peace.

EVENT: On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity 2024 on Saturday, 5 February 2024, from 11:00 to 12:00 PM EST (New York time); The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, are organizing a virtual event for Member States, religious leaders, faith actors, and civil society representatives.The upcoming virtual event will provide an opportunity to highlight the principles and values included in the Document of Human Fraternity and renew our joint commitment to promoting mutual respect, religious and cultural diversity, and advancing dialogue.

LIVESTREAM: The event will be streamed live via UN Web TV and UNAOC. Watch the livestream!

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Human Fraternity 2024; February 4th.

On this International Day of Human Fraternity, we celebrate the spirit of mutual respect and solidarity that binds us together as one human family.

Today, these values are being severely tested. Our world is marred by divisions, conflicts, and inequalities. Discrimination is running rampant.

We must come together to protect and uphold human rights, combat hate speech and violent extremism, and push back against those who profit from fear.

We can take inspiration from the declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” – co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb – to work towards a world where dialogue, compassion, and human dignity prevail.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging divides, fostering religious understanding and cooperation among people of all cultures and beliefs.

Together, let us forge a path towards a more peaceful, just and harmonious world for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

World Cancer Day 2023; February 4th.

FORUM: "Close the Gap." World Cancer Day 2023.

The Day will focus on examining the socioeconomic factors that lead to disparities in cancer prevention, incidence and survival, such as cultural and gender norms, income and education levels, and biases based on age, gender, ethnicity, disability and lifestyle. Additionally, there will be a call for increased action to improve cancer awareness, prevent cancer, support advancements in diagnostics and treatment, and address the shortcomings in health systems highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There will also be opportunities for interviews with WHO and partners in different regions and WHO countries worldwide. World Cancer Day aims to promote awareness on cancer as a public health issue and to strengthen actions towards improving access to quality care, screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care. This year’s theme marks the second year of the campaign “close the care gap” which is about understanding the inequities in cancer care and taking actions to make the necessary progress to address them.

EVENTS: On World Cancer Day 2023, various activities will take place globally, including the "5k Challenge" by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to participate in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking or walking to symbolize closing the gap in care. Additionally, there will be "21-day challenges" for individuals to create new healthy habits, raise awareness about cervical cancer, and educate themselves about inequalities in accessing cancer services.

Statement from the WHO Regional Director for Africa on World Cancer Day 2023; February 4th.

                          

A young girl from Rwanda with a tumor the size of a cauliflower on her face met a doctor. The young girl was one of the doctor’s first patients. The girl’s father, a subsistence farmer, had tried traditional solutions, but the tumor had grown, and his expenses too. The family needed an oncologist. Eventually, the doctor called the one who talked her through the treatment that saved the girl’s life.


We join the international community commemorating World Cancer Day today, 4 February 2023. The theme of this year is “Close the care Gap: Uniting our voices and taking action.” This year’s campaign summons like-minded people to be united as we build stronger alliances and new innovative collaborations in the fight against cancer.


Cancer is a public health issue of major concern.


The numbers are stark. Approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths. Data estimates show a considerable increase in cancer mortality to nearly one million deaths per year by 2030, without urgent and bold interventions.


We should recall that the most common cancers in adults include breast (16.5%), cervical (13.1%), prostate (9.4%), Colorectal (6%), and liver (4.6%) cancers, contributing to nearly half of the new cancer cases. With significant data challenges, childhood cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at 56.3 per million population. Current projections show that Africa will account for nearly 50% of the global childhood cancer burden by 2050, compelling expeditious efforts to confront this concern, as was done for the young girl from Rwanda.


In that view, it is important to celebrate some achievements we have made as a region, at the country level. Twelve countries in the region have valid National Cancer Control Plans. WHO is supporting eleven additional countries in developing or updating their National Cancer Control Plans aligned to the global cancer initiatives coupled with the presence of governance structures at the government level to implement Cancer Plans.


Countries such as Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, and Senegal have developed National Treatment Guidelines for childhood cancer. Twenty-five countries have developed and are using Cancer Guidelines. Political will remains significant in improving the cancer landscape. Including childhood cancer medicines in the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana and Zambia is a good example. Such a strategic action will significantly contribute to the increase in survival rates for children with cancer in these countries.


We are collaborating with Childhood Cancer International to develop and pilot the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support guidelines for children in Burkina Faso. It is gratifying to note the steady increase of HPV vaccination national introduction by 51% of countries in the region, although coverage remains concerning
at 21%.


Currently, 16 countries have introduced high-performance-based screening tests in line with WHO recommendations and plan to scale up cervical cancer screening. The introduction of gynecologic oncology Fellowships for improved access to cervical cancer treatment services in Malawi and Zambia is commendable and innovative.


Working closely with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in cancer registration, we launched three collaborating centers in Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, and South Africa. The centers will facilitate capacity building for local staff and improve data quality for effective decision-making.


Despite these achievements, stumbling blocks remain on our path. These include the low availability of Population Based Cancer Registries; limited health promotion; inadequate access to primary prevention and early detection services; the scarcity of diagnostic facilities that increase delays in diagnosis and treatment. Provision of palliative care is rare in Africa, notwithstanding the significant need for it. Africa has only 3% of the world’s cancer treatment facilities, with radiotherapy available in just 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to very low survival rates.

By uniting voices and action, we can address cancer at individual and community levels: Choosing healthy lifestyles, getting vaccinated, and getting routinely screened against preventable cancers. Parents have the responsibility to ensure their eligible daughters receive HPV vaccines.


I call on Governments to develop/update national cancer control plans, provide sustainable financing and invest in cancer registration. I encourage Governments to incorporate cancer care into essential benefits packages and national health insurance systems. It is also critical to ensure adequate infrastructure for human resource, screening, diagnostics, and treatment. There is equally a need to expand the use of digital health and establish relevant trainings for the cancer workforce.


Finally, cancer survivors can lend their voices as advocates for better cancer services. As persons with lived experience, they should be involved designing cancer services at all levels of health care.


Let us unite against cancer and take action to make universal health for cancer prevention, treatment and care a reality in Africa.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

CAMPAIGN: In 2023, the global cancer community commemorates World Cancer Day, on February 4, with the slogan "Close the care gap", and the call to unite our voices and take action. PAHO joins this campaign to call everyone, collectively and individually, to commit to strengthen actions aimed to improve access to quality care, including screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care.
Join us to reduce the impact of cancer!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Let’s unite to make the world aware to close the gap in cancer care. Get the communications materials!

International Day of Human Fraternity 2023; February 4th.

FORUM: Promote greater cultural and religious tolerance. International Day of Human Fraternity 2023.

Human fraternity for peace and cooperation. Celebrating human fraternity and the values it embodies such as mutual respect, diversity of cultures and religions, and advancing intercultural and interreligious dialogue reminds us of the common values that we share as one humanity. This spirit is particularly needed at a time when many communities are divided across religious, ethnic, and cultural lines. Growing religious hatred, stigma, and manifestations of various forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities including minorities are an affront to human rights and UN values. Such vile acts risk undermining global efforts to recover and rebuild better in a post-pandemic era.

EVENT: On the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity 2023 on Monday, 6 February 2023, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM EST (New York time); The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, are organizing a virtual event for Member States, religious leaders, faith actors, and civil society representatives.

LIVESTREAM: The event will be streamed live via UN Web TV and UNAOC.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Human Fraternity 2023; February 4th.

The International Day of Human Fraternity celebrates the values of compassion, religious understanding, and mutual respect.

These values underwrite peace and are the glue that hold our human family together.

Yet all over the world, they are being eroded.

By deepening divides, widening inequalities, and growing despair.

By surging hate speech, sectarianism, and strife.

The fact is, we see examples of religious extremism and intolerance in all societies and among all faiths.

It is the duty of religious leaders everywhere to prevent instrumentalization of hatred and defuse extremism amidst their followers.

The declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” – co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb – is a model for interfaith harmony and human solidarity.

Let us all take inspiration and renew our commitment to stand together as one human family.

Together, let us build an alliance of peace. Rich in diversity, equal in dignity and rights, united in solidarity.

António Guterres; U.N. Secretary-General.

CAMPAIGN: Promote a culture of peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.

World Cancer Day 2022; February 4th

In 2022, the global cancer community commemorates World Cancer Day, on February 4, with the slogan "Close the care gap". PAHO joins this campaign to call everyone, collectively and individually, to commit to strengthen actions aimed to improve access to quality care, including screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care.

Cancer can be prevented and controlled


Cancer can be prevented and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment and palliative care. The most common modifiable risk factors for cancer, which are shared with many other noncommunicable diseases, are:
- Tobacco use
- Low fruit and vegetable intake
- Harmful use of alcohol
- Lack of physical activity

Some specific risk factors for cancer include chronic infections from human papilloma virus (HPV) -for cervical cancer-, hepatitis B and C - for liver cancer-, and H.pylori -for stomach cancer.

One third to one half of cancer cases could be prevented by reducing the prevalence of known risk factors. Examples of actionable interventions are tobacco control and HPV vaccination. The most effective primary prevention of cancer is based on whole-of-government approaches, with legislation, regulation and fiscal policies combined with activities to change community and individual behaviour. Public health messages and health promotion should present evidence on specific risk factors.

ACTIONS

 Join us to reduce the impact of cancer!

WEBINARS

An entertaining and informative, virtual live programme broadcasting across 11 hours this World Cancer Day This 4th February, we're bringing World Cancer Day to you. Tune in to a full day of live content streamed here on our website and on social media channels. The World Cancer Day LIVE programme includes discussions with leading thinkers from around the world and a rare look at the work of our cancer community. We’ll take you live on the ground, broadcasting World Cancer Day activities happening around the world. You will have the opportunity to watch testimonies by sports champions and celebrities, hear the stories of cancer survivors, listen to experts speak on equity and cancer-related topics, and participate in yoga sessions to help you stay healthy on and after World Cancer Day. Join us live this 4th February.

New WHO platform promotes global cancer prevention.

With one in five people worldwide developing cancer during their lifetimes, prevention of the disease has become one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century.

International Day of Human Fraternity 2022; February 4th

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the UN and the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the UN, is organizing a virtual event celebrating the International Day of Human Fraternity, on Friday, 4 February 2022.

Statement by the U.N.Secretary-General on the International Day of Human Fraternity 2022.

World Cancer Day 2016, February 4

Всемирный день борьбы против рака, 4 февраля.

World Cancer Day, 4 February.

Día Mundial contra el Cáncer, 4 de febrero.

Journée mondiale du cancer, 4 février.

世界癌症日, 2月4日.

يوم العالمي للسرطان ، 4 فبراير

  

 

World Cancer Day 2016

Тема 2016 года: «Мы можем. Я могу»

2016 Theme: "We can. I can " 

Tema 2016 : "Nosotros podemos, Yo Puedo "

Thème 2016 : « Nous pouvons, je peux »

2016年主题 : "我们可以，我可以"

موضوع عام 2016: نحن نقدر. أنا أقدر

 

We can, I can

United Nations Secretary-General's Message on World Cancer Day 2016.

World Cancer Day, always an opportunity to rally the world, has special impetus this year thanks to the recent adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to usher in a life of dignity for all people.

The Sustainable Development Goals endorsed by all governments call for reducing by one third premature death from non-communicable diseases. This builds on an historic commitment made in 2011 by Heads of State. We are also guided by the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, and the Every Woman Every Child movement behind it, which are working for stronger health systems, universal health care coverage and scaling up of life-saving interventions for comprehensive cancer prevention and control.

We must do more to end the many tragedies that cancer inflicts. About one third of cancers can be prevented, while others are curable if diagnosed and treated early. And even when cancer is advanced, patients should benefit from palliative care.

Cancer affects all countries, but those with fewer resources are hit hardest. Nothing illustrates this better than the burden of cervical cancer. The world’s poorest countries are home to more than 8 in 10 women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 9 in 10 deaths from the disease.

While applauding the success of cervical cancer screening in many high-income countries, we have a responsibility to replicate this progress in low-income States, where cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women.

Today, we have the knowledge, experience and tools to protect every woman, everywhere. Comprehensive cervical cancer prevention includes vaccines to protect girls against future infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), screening measures and preventive treatment of pre-cancers.

Where a person lives should not determine if they develop a cancer or die from it. We must work together to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue and to reduce the burden that millions face from all cancers. On World Cancer Day, let us resolve to end the injustice of preventable suffering from this disease as part of our larger push to leave no one behind.

Ban Ki-moon

 

World Cancer Day 2016,  We can. I can

 

 

FORUM : World Cancer Day

Taking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’, World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.

2016 Events :

Special Event to Mark World Cancer Day: “Towards a Cervical Cancer Free World”

 

4 February 2016, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

 

ECOSOC Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters, New York

 

 

On World Cancer Day, join us to shed light on cervical cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries, which kills over 250,000 women annually, and how the international community can help end cervical cancer—an almost always preventable disease.

 

This event will feature a special screening of the inspirational “Lady Ganga” documentary. This film tells the story of a 45-year-old single mother who, when diagnosed with late stage cervical cancer, decided to do something extraordinary before her death: Break a world record by paddle boarding on the Ganges River.

 

A brief panel discussion following the film will explore how we can work together through the Every Woman Every Child movement to eliminate cervical cancer and how doing so will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to the health of girls and women and the reduction of non-communicable diseases worldwide. Moreover, as cervical cancer is a significant risk factor for acquiring HIV and vice versa, the prevention and control of cervical cancer is closely linked to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The event is sponsored by the Permanent Missions of the United States of America and the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations, Every Woman Every Child and Cervical Cancer Action.

RSVP TO ERIN ELZO AT EVERYWOMANEVERYCHILD@UNFOUNDATION.ORG BY 1 FEBRUARY 2016

For more information, visit: www.everywomaneverychild.org

 

 

 

February 4th is World Cancer Day

 

 

RESOURCES :

• World Cancer Day toolkit
• Read WHO feature story: Essential medicines give lifeline to people living with cancer
• WHO Cancer Essential Medicine List 2015
• World Cancer Day 2016, World Health Organization.
• World Cancer Day 2016: We can, I can - Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization,
• World Cancer Day 2016 | Cancer Research UK
• World Cancer Day 2016 | UICC
• World Cancer Day 2016, UNAIDS
• With focus on cervical cancer, Ban says where people live should not determine chances of survival - United Nations