Beginning in March 2022, Astellas is supporting organizations with charitable donations focused on specific health issues. 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
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City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) |
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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
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National Cancer Society Malaysia: |
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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.
