Innovative Methodology for Strengthening a Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Cities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Purpose: Delivering high-quality cancer care to patients through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) care approach remains a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries characterized by fragmented health systems and limited human resources for cancer care. City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is supporting cities in low- and middle-income countries as they work to improve access to equitable quality cancer care. C/Can has developed an innovative methodology to address the MDT gap, piloted in four cities-Asunciòn, Cali, Kumasi, and Yangon.

C/Can City Engagement Process: An Implementation Framework for Strengthening Cancer Care in Cities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

The effective implementation of locally adapted cancer care solutions in low- and middle-income countries continues to be a challenge in the face of fragmented and inadequately resourced health systems. Consequently, the translation of global cancer care targets to local action for patients has been severely constrained. City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is leveraging the unique value of cities as enablers in a health systems response to cancer that prioritizes the needs of end users (patients, their caregivers and families, and health care providers).

Health system strengthening: Integration of breast cancer care for improved outcomes.

The adoption of the goal of universal health coverage and the growing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries makes it important to consider how to provide cancer care. Specific interventions can strengthen health systems while providing cancer care within a resource-stratified perspective (similar to the World Health Organization-tiered approach). Four specific topics are discussed: essential medicines/essential diagnostics lists; national cancer plans; provision of affordable essential public services (either at no cost to users or through national health insurance); and finally, how a nascent breast cancer program can build on existing programs.

Transplant Programs in APBMT: Blood and Marrow Transplant Activity Report from Myanmar APBMT Meeting 2018, Taiwan.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was introduced in Myanmar in 2014 and was first performed in a patient with multiple myeloma at the North Okkalapa General and Teaching Hospital. From 2014 to 2016,transplantation activities were in the preliminary stage of establishing the infrastructure and gradually developing capacity-building. In 2016, the Yangon General Hospital also commenced autologous transplantation for myeloma.