Pfizer Strengthens Role in Fight against Cancer

2/20/2008

Cancer accounts for one in eight deaths globally -- more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. According to the World Health Organization's 2008 report, by 2030, there will be more than 8 million deaths every year unless urgent action is taken. That is why The Pfizer Foundation is launching a $33 million multi-year program to address the emerging challenges in cancer and tobacco control. The first round of the Global Health Partnerships grants has already been awarded to 15 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in 26 countries around the world -- from Algeria, China and Japan to Italy, Brazil and Argentina. Jointly funded by the Pfizer Foundation and Pfizer Inc, the initial grants will help cancer and tobacco control organizations build their capacity through training and technical assistance, establish national cancer control plans and improve patient services. "The Pfizer Foundation has a solid history as a pioneer in helping advance effective programs to improve health care delivery and disease prevention," says Robert Mallett, president of the Pfizer Foundation. "Cancer has no boundaries; it is only through continuous investments in research for new treatments and medicines that we can overcome this global health crisis. This program can help us have a measurable impact in advancing cancer and tobacco control efforts around the world." In keeping with the Foundation's rigorous evaluation standards, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health has been selected to evaluate the Global Health Partnerships program.