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ESMO Recommendations on Continuity of Care for Patients with Cancer Reflected in the New WHO Europe Strategy for Health Emergency Preparedness

06 Nov 2024

ESMO’s input to Preparedness 2.0 - the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe Strategy for Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience (2024–2029) -  is reflected in the final text adopted by the 53 WHO Europe Member States at the 74th Regional Committee meeting.

ESMO has been consistently calling for the inclusion of sustainable cancer care services into preparedness planning and responses to both pandemics and health emergencies. The Preparedness 2.0 strategy includes ESMO’s three key recommendations - inclusion of continued access to care for patients with cancer, guidelines for ethical decision-making in situations with resource shortages, and support to the mental wellbeing of the healthcare workforce. The Member States have committed to:

  • Ensure national emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans include clearly defined actions to maintain, restore and strengthen health systems and essential health services including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
  • Develop guidelines and standard operating procedures for triage, case management, patient safety, and clinical pathways for priority threats, that includes the needs of patients and ensures relevant staff training.
  • Ensure that the occupational health and welfare needs of the health and care workers are met, and make provisions for other relevant - for example, mental, social and psychosocial,  support during health emergencies.

ESMO has also highlighted the importance of translating strategic principles into tangible actions that safeguard the rights and well-being of patients with cancer. The Preparedness 2.0 strategy shortlists essential tools for safe and scalable care, including guidance on maintaining cancer care during emergencies, as well as how to build comprehensive Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages – an initiative that ESMO has supported as part of the Society’s Collaboration Agreement with WHO.    

The Strategy will be complimented with an Action Plan to facilitate in-country implementation with ESMO continuing to engage with the process.

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