PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre Spotlight Series
Reference Number: CAN-44
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC on Noncommunicable Disease Policy
Institution: Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Reference Number: USA-424
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC for Global Cancer Control
Institution: Center for Global Health, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Reference Number: USA-445
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC for Childhood Cancer
Institution: Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Category 2 (SP 14-19)
Outcome 5 (SP 20-25)
Ms. Silvana Luciani, Unit Chief, Noncommunicable Diseases, is the PAHO staff member who acts as the Region’s focal point to coordinate the collaboration between the institution and the Organization.
The main activities for the Centre on NCDs include: (1) promoting multi-sector approaches for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); (2) fostering exchange of knowledge and sharing of experiences through the regional network of national NCD program managers; and (3) providing assistance to advance the economics of NCDs, NCD surveillance and cervical cancer screening. The main activities for the Centre on cancer control include: (1) promoting evidence-based strategies for cancer screening and treatment; and (2) supporting the development of national cancer control plans. The main activities for the Centre on childhood cancer include: (1) supporting the strengthening of health systems; and (2) improving capacity in the area of pediatric oncology.
The Centre at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), co-hosted PAHO’s 2017 Carmen Network Meeting of the national NCD programs and managers. At this regional meeting, Member States had the opportunity to share their experiences on NCD policies, programs and services. In addition, PHAC has given PAHO grants for cervical cancer screening and for NCD surveillance in the Eastern Caribbean.
The Center at National Institutes of Health has shared technical expertise and input on cancer planning, registration and cervical cancer screening and also contributed to PAHO’s cervical cancer regional strategy.
The Centre at St. Jude has contributed to the development and implementation of the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, as well as a stakeholder meeting in Peru to examine the health service inputs needed to improve pediatric cancer care. The Centre also led a workshop in Central America with leading pediatric oncologists and Ministry of Health representatives, to develop country plans on improving pediatric cancer care.
Ms. Luciani notes the Centre at St. Jude “is integral for improving pediatric cancer outcomes in Latin America and the Caribbean and reducing the existing disparities.”
Webnotes such as these serve to inform how Collaborating Centres are contributing to the Organization’s priorities and mandates.