The Philippines and Sweden have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating cancer control efforts, with Bataan serving as the pilot province. The collaboration brings together key stakeholders, including the Bataan General Hospital, AstraZeneca, Elekta, Ericsson, and Cancer Coalition Philippines.
Under Sweden’s “quadruple-helix model,” the partnership will foster collaboration among government, academia, industry, and civil society. Initial plans include establishing a robust Cancer Registry in Bataan and capacity-building initiatives, such as training partnerships between Swedish and Filipino hospitals.
The initiative focuses on a comprehensive approach to cancer care—emphasising prevention, early detection, treatment, and innovative therapies. Sweden’s advanced expertise in cancer control and public health policies aims to transform Bataan into a benchmark for nationwide adoption.
With cancer being the second leading cause of death in the Philippines and screening rates among the lowest in the region, this collaboration seeks to address critical gaps in awareness, diagnostics, and treatment access, while reducing patient costs and delays.
(Source: Philippine News Agency)
