ESMO is pleased to announce the renewal of its status as non-State actor in official relations with the World Health Organization - a privilege granted to non-governmental organisations, which recognises ESMO’s sustained and systematic engagement in the interest of the WHO.
The two organisations are committed to a Collaboration Plan for 2024-2026, dedicated to improving cancer care worldwide, with a focus on three areas:
- Promoting equitable access to essential medicines and technologies for cancer care
- Developing and implementing policies and strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
- Strengthening the oncology workforce through supportive policies and training
As commented by Andrés Cervantes, ESMO President: “It is a privilege to be granted again the status of non-State actor in official relationships with the WHO and it is our duty as professional scientific society to collaborate in every way possible to reduce inequalities by improving access to cancer care, with the ambitious goal of ensuring universal health coverage”.
On the occasion of the ESMO Congress 2023, last October, ESMO and WHO celebrated 10 years of partnership, marked by a signature ceremony with the ESMO President and Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Department in the Division for Universal Health Coverage.