PACT in Asia (Middle East)

IAEA/PACT and its partners are developing multidisciplinary cancer capacity building projects called PACT Model Demonstration Sites (PMDS) in all WHO regions. In the Middle East, the PMDS is Yemen, where WHO's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) plays the leading role as a PACT Partner.

Yemen

PMDS Focus

Over the course of three to five years, IAEA/PACT, WHO and other partners will assist the national authorities in the design, funding, implementation and evaluation of PMDS projects focusing on country specific priorities. They will provide technical expertise and support government efforts in resource mobilization for the implementation of the national cancer control programme, with emphasis on improving cancer registration, educating and training personnel, introducing prevention and early detection programmes, expanding or improving radiotherapy (and nuclear medicine) facilities and services, establishing palliative care, and supporting cancer societies and NGOs. For information on general focus of PMDS click here ».

Cancer Situation, Existing Capability and Unmet Needs

Yemen has a population of approximately 22 million people and an estimated 11,000 new cases of cancer per year (Globocan 2002). There is one radiotherapy facility in Yemen in the city of Sana&39;a. Further programme development in cancer treatment, prevention, registration, early detection and palliation is needed.

PACT's Logistic Role

Organize, coordinate and report on imPACT review mission; review Yemeni National Cancer Control Programme; coordinate preparation of PACT Model Demonstration Site (PMDS) project proposals; coordinate interagency collaboration and resource mobilization and deployment during PMDS project execution.

Resources Committed/Pledged

  • Registration support ($15,000-25,000 possible)
  • PACT staff time and travel as well as external experts as needed ($60,000)

Current Status

Report of the July 2007 imPACT mission, including recommendations, submitted to the counterparts in the country. The Minister of Electricity and Energy and the Minister of Public Health and Population have accepted the recommendations. An imPACT follow-up technical visit took place in June 2008, during which steps were outlined to establish a National Steering Committee and a national palliative care programme.

Resources Needed

  • Support for cancer registration in collaboration with IARC
  • Estimated $5 million for radiotherapy, including training of professionals
  • Support for cancer prevention and early detection ($500,000)
  • Support for palliation (estimated $150,000)
  • Expand diagnostic and treatment services ($2 million)
  • Support for cancer civil society efforts

Next Steps

IAEA/PACT and its partners, together with Yemeni counterparts, will coordinate the formulation of interagency work plans on strengthening all areas of cancer control, each agency according to its mandate and areas of competence. PACT, in coordination with IAEA internal stakeholders, will support national counterparts in implementing work plans and developing proposals for funding.

Expected Outcomes

Support of National Cancer Control Programme; increased number of patients treated with radiotherapy; increased number of doctors trained in radiotherapy; improved cancer registration; increased programmes for prevention and screening of the most common cancers; earlier detection of common cancers with improved opportunity for and delivery of curative treatment; improved public awareness of and knowledge about cancer early detection and its prevention; enhanced palliative programme.

Interagency Partners

PACT works with WHO , WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), IARC (WHO), International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR). PACT also hopes to involve other key organizations in due course.

Key Member State Counterpart Organizations

Responsible PACT Officer

For more information on the Republic of Yemen, please contact Mr. Dan Malin.

Potential Centres of Excellence or mentors in the region

  • Egypt
  • Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Jordan
  • Morocco
  • Syrian Arab Republic
  • Tunisia

Other countries in the region requesting assistance

  • Afghanistan
  • Palestinian National Authority
  • Syrian Arab Republic

Current donors to PACT in the region