Research Triangle Institute India (RTI), one of the world's leading independent, nonprofit research and development organizations hosted a two day Symposium on "Cancer Prevention in India" along with the American Cancer Society, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), and Harvard Global Equity Initiative. The two day symposium brought together various bodies, both national and international, who collectively and collaboratively addressed various aspects of early detection and prevention of cancer in India.
RTI international President and Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Holden, "since our inception we have been tirelessly working around the globe to create awareness about Non Communicable Diseases. Approximately 13 percent of the global burden of cancers about 1 million new cases and more than 700,000 deaths annually occur in India alone," adding that this symposium is aimed at creating a much-needed platform for all key stakeholders - Government, health care providers, researchers, survivors, private sector, patient advocates, and foundations - to come together and thus take a fresh approach to address cancer prevention in India.
RTI international also established its wholly owned subsidiary in New Delhi recently to serve its clients by supporting programs focused on sanitation, women's health and gender equity and climate change. CK Mishra, Additional Secretary in the Health Ministry said, "The Government of India needs to run any program around cancer always in partnership. Cancer prevention requires a multi-disciplinary approach including policy development, legislation, regulation, public education, and awareness."
Eminent personalities who participated in the symposium were R Sankaranarayanan, World Health Organization, Ambassador Sally Cowal, American Cancer Society, CK Mishra, Additional Secretary in Health Ministry, MS Shanmugam, Government of Tamil Nadu along with other dignitaries from India and abroad.