The Role of Civil Society in the Implementation of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) Framework: Takeaways from Southeast Asia

Cabanes, Anna; Taylor, Carolyn; Basu, Partha; Kardinah, Kardinah; Magsanoc-Alikpala, Kara; Pastrana, Alexandra

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2561

The Role of Civil Society in the Implementation of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) Framework: Takeaways from Southeast Asia

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Global Focus on Cancer, New York, USA.

² Early Detection, Prevention & Infections Branch, International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC)/ World Health Organization, Lyon, France.

³ National Cancer Center, Dharmais Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.

⁴ iCanserve Foundation, Pasig City, Philippines.

10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2561

Abstract

Background: In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) with the aim of strategically guiding and coordinating efforts to reduce breast cancer mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At the country level, GBCI requires adaptation to local contexts based on a systematic assessment of barriers faced by breast cancer patients and the health system’s capacity. This requires engaging stakeholders with civil society organizations being key. Method: During the 7th Southeast Asia Breast Cancer Symposium (SEABCS) held in Hue, Vietnam, breast cancer clinicians, policy makers, patients, advocates, and caregivers were invited to participate in a workshop to discuss the role civil society organizations will play in the implementation of GBCI. The workshop objective was to identify the needs of CSOs to effectively support the domestic implementation of GBCI principles and strategies. Result: Twenty-two people registered for the workshop, with eight civil society organizations represented by one or more members. Participants were assigned to three groups and were asked to describe; (a) the ways in which civil society could use the GBCI framework document, advocate for its implementation at the country level, and support the implementation of recommended interventions; and (b) what would be needed for civil society to use, advocate for, or implement GBCI. Conclusion: This report outlines the main discussion points, the roles that civil society can play in countries’ implementation efforts, and the resources needed so they can efficiently support their governments in their implementation strategy. By including civil society as a key element of breast cancer control, countries in the region and beyond can accelerate the domestic implementation of the GBCI principles and strategies, making significant progress in breast cancer control and improving the lives of those affected by the disease.

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