As an invited stakeholder in the ECO-ASCO Special Network on the Impact of the War in Ukraine on Cancer, the Global Coalition for Radiotherapy contributed to the statement submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe. The statement is in response to a call by 38 European countries for a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, focusing on the health situation in Ukraine and wider consequences of the ongoing war on health matters. The meeting takes place May 10-11, 2022 virtually.
Radiotherapy is highlighted in this statement as an important part of tackling medical supply shortages:
Radiotherapy treatment is also affected by the war, yet its continuity is strategic for optimal cancer care. Maintaining radiotherapy capacity in Ukraine and neighbouring countries has particular and complex needs requiring large, fixed equipment with patients attending daily over several weeks, ideally without interruptions. It is also accompanied by very particular human resource needs.
Read the full statement on the European Cancer Organisation website.