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– Burjeel Holdings Oncology Conference marks 10 years focusing on equitable solutions for cancer care
Experts emphasize that collaboration and innovation are key to progress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The 10th anniversary of the Burjeel Holdings Oncology Conference, held in partnership with Foreign Policy, brought together leading global experts to address the complex challenges of cancer care, emphasizing the need of a multi-stakeholder collaboration. As cancer claims millions of lives worldwide and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, the conference underscored the urgency of international action and equity in access to life-saving treatments.
Dr. Catharine Young, Cancer Moonshot Deputy Director of Policy and Engagement at the White House, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation to achieve Cancer Moonshot’s ambitious goal of reducing cancer deaths by 50% over 25 years.
Congressman Mike Kelly, co-chair of the US Congressional Cancer Caucus, highlighted Congress’ critical role in supporting research and patient care, advocating for funding for the National Cancer Institute and addressing challenges access and affordability. He highlighted the need to “connect people” and consider the human experience. Hannah Adams, a pediatric cancer survivor, reminded the audience that “the most effective advocates put a face and a name to the cancer child.”
The Future of Cancer Care panel delved into the potential of AI, equity considerations, and global access. Dr. Danielle Bitterman, a radiation oncologist and AI researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlighted the potential of AI to democratize care, while Dr. Jason Hipp, director of digital innovation at Mayo Collaborative Services , emphasized the need for diverse data to ensure equity and high-quality care for all.
Dr Anshu Jain, medical director at Aster Insights, illustrated the need for equal access using the analogy of a “tall and short person looking for a treatment table.”
Felicia Gorordo, Deputy Executive Director for the United States of the World Bank Group, highlighted the World Bank’s commitment to integrating digital health and access into its programs.
The health equity panel focused on practical solutions. Manan Shah, vice president of Global Health Policy and Equity Partnerships at Bristol Myers Squibb, advocated for considering the social determinants of health and the factors that lead patients to seek care. Gary A. Puckrein, president and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum, emphasized the need for scalable models for quality care in vulnerable communities.
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, highlighted the current period as “never a better time to tackle cancer” due to increased post-pandemic resilience and health awareness. He emphasized the need for inclusion, closing health equity gaps and increasing data, technology and training to overcome challenges.
Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, highlighted partnering with patients and advocates to overcome barriers.
Dr. Juan Pablo Uribe, Global Director of Health, Nutrition and Population and the World Bank’s Global Financing Facility, highlighted the lack of a single solution to the global financing gap.
The Burjeel Holdings Oncology Conference served as a powerful call to action, urging people to support research, advocate for patient-centered policies and raise awareness.
About Burjeel Holdings
Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is one of the leading private healthcare service providers in the MENA region. With a network of 68 assets, including 16 hospitals and 30 medical centres, pharmacies and other allied services, the Group offers the highest level of patient care. Burjeel Medical City, its flagship facility, is the UAE’s first ESMO-accredited Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care Center and a leader in cancer care in the region.
Media Contact: M. Unnikrishnankrish@burjeelholdings.com
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