WHA79 Side Event: Cancer Policy and Innovation: From Early Detection to Equitable Treatment
The WHA79 side event “Cancer Policy and Innovation: From Early Detection to Equitable Treatment” will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 18 May 2026.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death and a profound global health burden, contributing to approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. A significant proportion of cancers can be effectively managed or cured if detected early and treated promptly.
In Taiwan, cancer has consistently been the leading cause of death for the past 43 years, resulting in more than 50,000 deaths annually and placing a heavy burden on individuals, families, and society. Under the “Healthy Taiwan” initiative, Taiwan has launched a “three-pronged approach to combating cancer,” which encompasses improving early-stage cancer screening, focusing on genetic testing and precision medicine, and establishing a NT$10 billion new cancer drugs fund. These measures aim to enhance patients’ access to high-value care and optimize reimbursement mechanisms, thereby advancing timely, equitable, and affordable cancer prevention and treatment.
On the margins of the 79th World Health Assembly, Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will convene international experts to exchange policy practices and innovative experiences, with the goal of fostering early detection, equitable treatment, and multilateral collaboration. The forum will explore critical themes, including: enhancing the coverage and quality of cancer screening via digital health innovations; optimizing the reimbursement and affordability of precision and innovative therapies; and building more comprehensive international partnerships to advance cancer health equity. Through this high-level dialogue, we aim to catalyze collective action to alleviate the global cancer burden and secure a healthier future for all.
【Information】
Title: Cancer Policy and Innovation: From Early Detection to Equitable Treatment
Time: 14:00-17:00 Monday, 18 May 2026 (UTC+2)
Event Registration: https://forms.gle/aFhYMUn5WxGhXGxt6
【Contact】
Email: chiehyu@mpat.org.tw (Ms. Yang)