SUVA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Fiji signed the World Cancer Declaration (WCD) on Thursday, with a goal to reduce the preventable mortality rate of cancer patients.
"Fiji's approach in fulfilling the targets of the WCD will be documented in clear strategies for reducing mortality and morbidity in the National Cancer Control Plan and the country action plan we already have with the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) to improve clinical systems, services and training," said Jone Usamate, minister for health and medical services.
"Signing the WCD is a further way to indicate to the UICC, as well as our other international partners and the public that Fiji remains committed to reducing the burden of cancer," said Usamate.
Fiji has already made several commitments to reducing the burden of cancer as is covered by the WCD, and as cancer is the third leading cause of death in the Pacific island nation, a reduction in mortality will contribute largely to these commitments, according to the government.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said it remains fully committed to effectively reduce the burden of cancer after officially becoming a member of the UICC in 2015.
