On 2 February, 2024 stakeholders from around the globe gathered for as part of the WHO webinar series on WHO cancer initiatives which resonate deeply with community priorities. The session, keynote address by Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO's Director of Noncommunicable Diseases, addressed the overwhelming global burden of cancer. Highlighting the latest estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the data presented was both sobering and a call to action: 1 in 5 individuals will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, affecting over 50 million families not just emotionally and physically, but also financially.

The webinar served a dual purpose, also marking the launch of the WHO Global Survey on the Inclusion of Cancer Care in Health Benefit Packages for 2020-2021. This publication sheds light on the cancer and palliative care services pledged by public sectors worldwide, aiming for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The dialogue highlighted the financial hurdles of cancer care, emphasized through a touching testimony by Ms. Jane Kabaki, a breast cancer survivor. Her narrative brought to life the financial strains of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, setting the stage for a rich panel discussion.

As we continue this conversation on our community page, we warmly invite insights from esteemed expert’s panelist including Mr. Guy Fones, Ms. Benda Kithaka, Dr. Lydia Dsane-Selby, Dr. Heather White, Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, and Stephen Jan. Their diverse perspectives and collective wisdom are invaluable as we explore solutions to mitigate the financial impact of cancer on patients and families globally.

Let's engage, share, and collaborate towards a future where the burden of cancer is significantly reduced not just in health terms, but also financially. Your thoughts, reflections, and insights are eagerly awaited.