The Medicines Patent Pool took part in the 14th AORTIC International Conference on Cancer in Africa in Dakar from 2 to 6 November 2023. The conference brought together multidisciplinary specialists from the global cancer community to reduce the impact of cancer in Africa.

MPP participated in two sessions:

SUNDAY 5 NOVEMBER

Access to medicines, how can we solve this enigma?

Facilitators and opening remarks:

  • D Milner (USA)

Panelists:

  • K Asante (South Africa), D Ejoh (Nigeria) | Treatment disparities across and within countries – Why do we need to speak about access to medicines?
  • V Vanderpuye (Ghana) | The clinician perspective: why is innovation so relevant in the oncology field? Innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and care can improve outcomes and quality of life for patients
  • G Segafredo (Switzerland) | Voluntary license as a mechanism to improve availability and affordability of cancer medicines (even if patented)
  • G Nakigudde (Uganda) | A patient’s perspective on how good universal access can curb financial toxicity: a case study from Uganda
  • S Meyer (South Africa) | Country experience: South Africa (Trastuzumab)
  • Q&A
  • K Asante (South Africa) | Closing remarks

SUNDAY 5 NOVEMBER

MPP-HOSTED SESSION

Can we achieve faster and more sustainable access to innovative cancer medicines? Lessons learned from access to innovative HIV medicines.

Introduction and moderation:

  • Chair: Miriam Mutebi (Kenya)

Panelists and respective topic:

  • Public health oriented Voluntary Licensing – what is it and what it achieved in the HIV space. – Esteban Burrone, Medicines Patent Pool (Switzerland)
  • How can international health partners work together to ensure prompt access to innovative cancer medicines? – Dan Milner, Access To Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition (USA)
  • How to support countries in selecting cancer medicines to procure? And what else could be done to facilitate the procurement and uptake of innovative medicines at the country level? – Vivienne Mulema, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) (Uganda)
  • What can be done at country level to ensure prompt access to innovative cancer medicines? – Susan Citonje Msadabwe-Chikuni (Zambia)
  • What can patient advocates do at country level to accelerate equitable access? – Gertrude Nakigudde (Uganda)

WE HAD A BOOTH #7 IN THE EXHIBITION AREA