World Cancer Day 2024: Closing the Care Gap and Advocating for Global Awareness
Every 4th of February, World Cancer Day resonates as a global call to action under the auspices of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This annual observance brings together communities worldwide to raise awareness, foster understanding, and rally support in the fight against cancer, a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells forming lumps or tumors in the body.
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| World Cancer Day 2024 celebrated on 04 February |
The 2024 Theme: 'Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care'
World Cancer Day 2024 revolves around the compelling theme of 'Close the care gap: Everyone deserves access to cancer care.' This theme is an integral part of a three-year campaign spanning from 2022 to 2024, with the UICC's agenda for 2024 focused on collectively challenging those in power to prioritize and enhance cancer care globally.
Inception and Mission: A Journey from the Paris Summit to Global Observance
The inaugural World Cancer Day took place on 4th February 2000 during the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. The mission, outlined in the Paris Charter, aims to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness, and inspire the global community to make substantial progress against this pervasive disease.
Global Impact of Cancer: Insights from the World Health Organization
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer stands as the second leading cause of death globally. Common types of cancer vary between genders, with lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers predominant in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers are prevalent in women.
Tackling Cervical Cancer in India: A Vital Vaccination Initiative
Addressing specific concerns, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a noteworthy initiative on February 1st, expanding cervical cancer vaccination to girls aged 9 to 14. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women in India, and this expansion aligns with the government's commitment to combating this health challenge. The vaccine, CERVAVAC, manufactured by Serum Institute, plays a crucial role in this endeavor.
International Day of Human Fraternity 2024: Bridging Divides and Promoting Co-Existence
Coinciding with World Cancer Day is the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed annually on 4th February. This day commemorates the signing of the "Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Co-existence" between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity in 2020.
PLURIEL Conference: Islam and Human Fraternity's Impact
To mark the International Day of Human Fraternity, the 4th International Conference of PLURIEL was organized in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the theme "Islam and Human Fraternity: Impact and Prospects of the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Co-existence." This initiative, launched by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
In conclusion, the collective observance of World Cancer Day and the International Day of Human Fraternity serves as a reminder of the global community's commitment to addressing health challenges and fostering unity, understanding, and coexistence on a broader scale.
