The Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Authors: Akinwande B. , Nitzsche A. 
Published: September 2018

Amount raised: Background and context: International financial institutions (IFIs), including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank Group, multilateral and regional development banks, have played a major role in the social and economic development of low- and middle-income countries. In addition to policy expertise, economic analysis and knowledge products, IFIs provide considerable financial resources to national governments to tackle a wide range of health challenges. Intergovernmental organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are providing critical support to advance the socioeconomic development of its member states as well. While there have been some collaborative initiatives to work with national governments to address the growing cancer crisis, more could still be done. With the aim of building a coalition of global partners committed to addressing the growing cancer crisis in low- and middle-income member states, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approached Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and OIC to highlight the lack of access to effective and sustainable radiotherapy in these member states and to explore potential opportunities to jointly assist member states in their efforts to improve cancer control and expand their radiation medicine services. In 2016, the IAEA, the IDB and the OIC formalized their collaboration through the signing of practical arrangements which encompass technical support, resource mobilization and the implementation of joint activities in comprehensive cancer control in common member states. As the international community acknowledges the increasing global cancer burden and includes an NCD-related target in the sustainable development goals, it is imperative for national governments, multilateral and intergovernmental organizations, including IFIs, to work together if the target is to be met. Aim: To share the experiences of the IAEA-IDB-OIC collaboration and its results so far to provide national decision makers and cancer specialists with a framework to engage a variety of critical international players in their fight against cancer. Strategy/Tactics: IAEA-OIC-IDB practical arrangements on cooperation in the area of comprehensive cancer control in common member states. Program process: Bringing IFIs and low- and middle-income member states together to review their financing needs for the implementation of priority interventions in national cancer control programs and to identify resource mobilization opportunities. Costs and returns: Member states cancer control programs funded by the Islamic Development Bank, and potentially, by other IFIs. What was learned: As the international community acknowledges the rising global cancer burden IFIs have increased their interest in working with governments in low- and middle-income countries to fight cancer. It is important for these countries to seize the opportunities provided by this new development.