Beginning in March 2022, Astellas is supporting four organizations with charitable donations focused on specific health issues (cancer care, eye care and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)). Funding from Astellas is intended to help strengthen healthcare systems and health literacy.
Strengthening the health system for cancer patients in Peru
Program
Strengthening the health system of Arequipa, Peru, to improve quality cancer care
 | City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) |
Country
Peru
Cancer is a growing public health problem in Arequipa, Peru. It is the second-leading cause of death in the country, with approximately 35,000 cancer deaths every year. It is one of the most complex public health challenges and it requires innovative, whole-of society, multi-sectoral approaches and solutions that strengthen the healthcare system.
Astellas funding to C/Can allows the organization to strengthen and improve the local healthcare system in Arequipa. By empowering C/Can to drive multi-sectoral coordination in cancer care, our support enables city stakeholders to lead a staged process to assess, plan and execute locally-adapted cancer care solutions throughout the city of Arequipa, which focuses on areas such as pathology diagnosis and quality of treatment while introducing a local self-sustaining digital health ecosystem for optimization of resources and investments in the city. This program will benefit 450 cancer professionals through capacity-building efforts such as education, experimental learning and mentorship programming for delivering equitable and quality cancer care.
C/Can’s city engagement process in Arequipa creates sustainable impact on the local health system which will benefit more than 2,500 patients, reaching 2.8 million people living in Arequipa and surrounding areas who will ultimately have improved access to quality cancer care.
Strengthening cancer control efforts in Malaysia
Program
BEAUTY (Bringing Education And Understanding To You) & Health
 | National Cancer Society Malaysia: |
 | Asia Cancer Forum: |
Country
Malaysia
More than 60% of cancer patients in Malaysia, a multinational nation, are diagnosed with cancer in late stages of the disease (Stage 3 or 4). Many of these patients have less opportunity to get access to treatment and awareness of preventive practices. This will lead to lower health education and health literacy levels. Many cancer patients also have difficulty continuing treatment on a regular basis due to financial hardship.
Astellas’ funding supports cancer mitigation efforts through a program managed by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Asia Cancer Forum (ACF). This funding supports the development and deployment of a cancer educational database repository that patients can use for advice on specific male or female cancer screenings. Patients can also use the database to access materials for cancer risk-management such as obesity reduction tips, smoking cessation support and dietary guidelines. Patients enrolled in the Malaysian Cancer Preventive Registry can use the site to assess and monitor their health risks. In addition, community engagement sessions are held to promote discussion on cancer awareness at local businesses where residents are regular patrons (i.e. barber shops, salons via the BEAUTY & Health program).
The launch event of the “BEAUTY & Health” program was held on 11 August 2022 in Malaysia. For details, please visit the following websites.
This program is targeted to benefit more than one million Malaysian residents by improving prevention and early detection of cancer through better health education and literacy.
Establishing and strengthening a rural comprehensive eye care model in China
Program
Preventing avoidable blindness from Diabetic Retinopathy in Anhui, China
 | The Fred Hollows Foundation: |
Country
China
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the world’s leading cause of blindness and vision impairment. One in 10 adults worldwide has diabetes and anyone living with diabetes is at risk of developing DR. Blindness caused by DR places a significant burden on healthcare systems. China accounts for more than a fourth of the world’s diabetes patients. In many rural areas of China, additional facilities and equipment are needed to provide eyecare and screen diabetes patients for DR.
Astellas is providing a multi-year donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation to provide comprehensive eye care in rural areas of Anhui Province, China. Our contribution will support nearly 150,000 patients and train more than 4,400 healthcare workers through a care model focused on improving the availability, affordability, accessibility and the effectiveness of ophthalmologic health services. Support from Astellas provides access to eye care service, such as routine screenings and basic diabetic eye complication management with appropriate equipment and capability.
We believe that by supporting this program, we are contributing to improving access to eye care for diabetic patients and strengthening the healthcare system in conjunction with community members through increased awareness of diabetes and DR.
Contribution to sustain the efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in India
Program
Neglected Tropical Diseases Bihar HABBITs Project
(Health System Strengthening, Active Case finding efforts, Behavior change communication, Bridging the needs of community and local government, Improving access to health, Technical Support Unit and Social inclusion model of care)
 | World Vision: |
Country
India
India leads the world in terms of the total number of cases for each of the major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)*. NTDs are mainly parasitic, bacterial, viral or fungal infections prevalent among people living in poverty in developing nations in tropical and subtropical regions. NTDs can cause life-long health issues (i.e. physical disability, mental illness) death and discrimination, especially of girls and women. NTDs also have a negative effect on local economies, creating obstacles to socioeconomic development.
Astellas supports World Vision’s efforts to eliminate NTDs in the state of Bihar. Bihar, located in eastern India, is an area with a high epidemic rate of NTDs. The sequence of surveillance, early case detection, referral and complete case management of prevalent NTDs is a key approach for the reduction of cases and disease control. This program will accelerate early case detection, help complete case management and contribute to a stronger health system. Additionally, this program will help improve NTD awareness and hygiene practices at the individual, family and community levels, which should lead to a lower risk of contracting NTDs. Ultimately, this work will create a sustainable health system to promote efforts for eliminating NTDs across Bihar State.
This program will bring benefit to more than 2.5 million people in Bihar State, India, contributing to the well-being of children and mothers in politically, economically, and/or socially vulnerable situations.
* https://www.who.int/health-topics/neglected-tropical-diseases#tab=tab_1