According the World Health Organization, more than half of new cancer cases each year, and 70 percent of cancer deaths, occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. HVO is proud to contribute to the global fight against cancer by sending oncology and hematology volunteers to our project sites in each of these regions. Through our partnership with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), and the American Society of Hematology (ASH), we are able to recruit expert care providers to contribute to the education and professional development of the cancer care workforce in resource-scarce countries.
Each year on February 4th, the observation of World Cancer Day provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge volunteers, and to thank them for the important work they are doing year-round to diminish the global burden of cancer.
This year, February 4th marks not just World Cancer Day, but the start of the three-year “We Can. I Can.” campaign —founded on the notion that each of us can contribute to the fight against cancer, whether through individual or collective action. The campaign highlights a number of actions, both large and small, that contribute to the global fight against cancer. These actions may occur at the individual level—a choice to quit smoking or avoid unhealthy foods—or at the societal level—working collectively to build a quality cancer care workforce.
HVO and its volunteers are the embodiment of the “We Can. I Can.” message. Through individual action—sharing their knowledge and skills with students and colleagues in resource-scarce countries—our volunteers have a measurable impact on the quality of care delivered at HVO project sites around the globe. Collaboration with professional associations such as ASCO, SGO and ASH enables HVO to recruit a greater number of qualified, passionate volunteers, while collaboration with local hospitals, universities and governments allows HVO to maximize the reach of those volunteers—touching the lives of more providers and more patients. The lectures, hands-on clinical training and professional development opportunities provided by HVO volunteers empower local health care providers to make their own contributions to the fight against cancer and other threats to global health.
From large organizations to individual actors—everyone has a part to play in the battle against cancer. If you are looking for ways to take part on World Cancer Day, consider volunteering or donating to support the work of our volunteers.