Abstract 18: Cancer Control Assessments in Low- and Middle-Income Countries during COVID-19: The IAEA-IARC-WHO imPACT Review Hybrid Modality

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Under the auspices of the WHO-IAEA Joint Programme on Cancer Control, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) supports Member States through assessments of national cancer control capacities and needs (imPACT Reviews) related to the cancer continuum. imPACT Reviews are conducted jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and other partners as appropriate. To ensure continuity of imPACT Reviews to Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular to low- and middle- income countries, a hybrid modality with a virtual component has been adopted. Methods: With the hybrid modality, imPACT Reviews are conducted partially virtually through online meetings with stakeholders/international experts (using photos, videos and live walk-throughs of health facilities), and through in-country visits when travel restrictions are lifted to validate findings and engage with national authorities. Results: The case studies of Senegal and Mali initiated in mid-2020 demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid modality. Review findings and recommendations have been consolidated into preliminary reports submitted to the respective Ministries of Health in December 2020 and considering the impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related health services. The Reviews featured a cervical and paediatric cancer focus in line with WHO global initiatives and national priorities. Immediate next steps for the countries are the development of costed national cancer control plans and support in mobilizing resources. Conclusion: The coordinated efforts of IAEA, IARC and WHO ensured continuity of evidence-based cancer control assessments and the virtual component may be considered for future imPACT Reviews. Benefits include involving a higher number of institutions and experts, minimizing disruption to their work, visiting more health facilities, and ensuring sustained dialogue over a longer period of time. This contributes to a stronger collaborative network while enhancing government engagement and national ownership. Citation Format: Marianna Nobile, Kendall Siewert, Maria Tena Perpina, Yuliya Lyamzina. Cancer Control Assessments in Low- and Middle-Income Countries during COVID-19: The IAEA-IARC-WHO imPACT Review Hybrid Modality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 18.