The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) have signed a collaboration agreement to improve access to high-quality cancer care worldwide, strengthen oncology services and support efforts to improve patient survival.
The agreement focuses on three priority areas: building healthcare professionals’ skills in cancer care, improving access to clinical trials, and strengthening the quality, accessibility and accountability of cancer services. The partnership aims to help governments implement programmes that address local needs and reduce avoidable harm caused by inadequate care.
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“This agreement is a pivotal step in our collective effort to improve access to quality cancer care globally. By combining WHO’s global health leadership with ASCO’s clinical and educational expertise, we are establishing a truly collaborative framework. Together with WHO Member States as partners, we will work to strengthen the oncology workforce, support vital research, and help bring high-quality, evidence-based care to patients in diverse resource settings worldwide.” Dr Julie R. Gralow, FACP, FASCO, ASCO Chief Medical Officer & Executive Vice President.
Under the capacity-building initiative, WHO and ASCO will combine their global networks and clinical expertise to expand oncology training through virtual and in-person programmes. Drawing on ASCO’s Global Courses, the training will be developed in consultation with WHO Member States and tailored to individual countries’ healthcare priorities.
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The organizations will also work with member states to improve access to cancer clinical trials, align research priorities with national cancer burdens and strengthen regional research collaboration through stakeholder forums and specialised training. Additionally, the partnership will support countries in improving facility-level cancer care by combining WHO’s work on national cancer programmes with ASCO’s quality-care certification and training initiatives.
The collaboration aims to strengthen health policies, develop the oncology workforce and help ensure that patients receive safe, effective and evidence-based cancer treatment, including in resource-limited settings.
