The UICC My Child Matters program - and the Dakar Manifesto

A commitment to fight childhood cancer in low- and middle- income countries

The My Child Matters forum was a great success in Dakar, Senegal. Organized by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and sanofi-aventis, over 200 people gathered to hear experts and political leaders address childhood cancer issues. In addition to presentations, roundtable discussions and a tour the Dantec Hospital hosted by Prof. Claude Moreira - Head of Pediatric Oncology, a highlight was the signing of the Dakar Manifesto on childhood cancer by Prime Minister Mr. Souleymane Ndené Ndiaye and representatives of 21 other countries.

Under the initiative of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and sanofi-aventis, representatives from 21 countries have met in July in Dakar, Senegal to review progress and strengthen measures in the fight against cancer in low- and middle- income countries, which began in 2004 through the “My Child Matters” program.

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Mrs Therese Coumba Diop - Minister of Health, Prevention and Public Hygiene - signing the Dakar manifesto

Over two days, experiences were shared by representatives from WHO and other international institutions, hospitals and NGOs from Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, France, Honduras, Italy, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, the Netherlands, Paraguay, the Philippines, The Republic of Congo, Senegal, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States.

The assembly benefited from the patronage of Madam Viviane Wade, First Lady of Senegal and President of the Education Santé Association, and the support of the First Ladies of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Morocco and Niger. The “Dakar Manifesto”, signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the presidency of the Minister of Health, Prevention and Public Hygiene Mrs Therese Coumba Diop, calls on all stakeholders and institutions concerned for more participation and action to improve the outcome of childhood cancer around the world.

Due to the number of countries involved, “My Child Matters” is now one of the largest initiatives dedicated to fighting childhood cancer in low- and middle- countries. This program combines financial support for projects with a network of international experts to help boost local skills in a spirit of progress and solidarity. At the end of 2008, over 12,800 children and 6,600 families have been helped by this program, and some 2,850 healthcare professionals had received training.

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For more information please contact Dr. Julie Torode, Head of Education and Capacity Building at the UICC (gro.cciu|edoroT#gro.cciu|edoroT)

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