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As we embark on a new year of hope and determination, we’re pleased to share the incredible strides made by the IGCS World of Hope campaign. We launched our campaign last year with clear goals in mind: to expand mentorship and training programs, extend our educational reach in LMICs and pursue the elimination of cervical cancer. Together, we’ve raised over $90,000 to drive meaningful action!   

The Board carefully considered numerous options for allocating the 2024 donations in accordance with the World of Hope spending policy. After presentation and discussion during the January 2025 Board meeting, the Board decided to dedicate the funds to IGCS programs and activities contributing to cervical cancer elimination efforts. 

We know the proven effectiveness of prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies, and with the timing of the 2025 Annual Global Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, supporting cervical cancer elimination efforts within IGCS was the ideal choice. The decision was rooted in the growing global burden of cervical cancer, particularly in low-resource settings.

We are grateful for all the support and generosity of the IGCS members and friends. A sincere thank you. 

A Mission Rooted in Hope

Hope is a powerful force—it inspires action, fuels resilience, and drives change. At the heart of our mission and working towards reducing the burden and prevalence of cervical cancer lies an unwavering belief that a brighter future is within reach. We know that this disease, which claims the lives of so many women—especially in underserved regions—is both preventable and treatable. IGCS has tools like our HPV vaccination statement, Preinvasive Disease Certificate Program, and equitable access to care, together, we are transforming hope into action.

With every step we take, we honor the lives impacted by cervical cancer and commit to a world where no woman is left behind in the fight for her health. This newsletter is a testament to our collective progress and a call to continue pushing forward. Thank you for being part of this life-changing journey.

Contributions to the World of Hope campaign will enable us to take meaningful action in the pursuit of cervical cancer elimination, including:

Preinvasive Disease Program: Training and empowering healthcare professionals to detect and treat cervical cancer early. The IGCS Preinvasive Disease Certificate Program has been a major leap forward for educating, training, and mentoring health care professionals with vital knowledge and skills required to screen and treat preinvasive disease and cervical cancer.

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Mila Salcedo, Dr. Ida Ismail Pratt and dozens of mentors, this program is effectively changing the landscape and standardizing care in areas that need it. With this additional support, we can fund more in-person training courses and courses to “train the trainers” in colposcopy and the treatment of preinvasive cervical disease.

The IGCS Preinvasive Disease Program currently has over 635 individuals enrolled from 104 countries. 

The IGCS 2025 Annual Global Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa November 5-7 will be an ideal setting and powerful opportunity to turn knowledge into action and commitment into results—particularly in this region where the need is greatest.  The meeting represents a pivotal moment in our collective efforts, with a significant focus on one of the most pressing challenges: eliminating cervical cancer in regions where the burden of disease remains devastatingly high. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, bears a disproportionate share of this burden, compounded by limited access to screening, vaccination, and treatment.

IGCS is poised to bring together leaders and stakeholders to explore these challenges and discuss actionable, multidisciplinary solutions.

Advancing Global Gynecologic Cancer Care: Support from the Women Global Cancer Initiative and the Chuang Family

The Women Global Cancer Initiative and the Chuang Family have each generously committed multi-year grants to support the IGCS Oncology Global Curriculum. This program serves as a sustainable solution to enhance the capacity for quality gynecologic cancer care and research in Nepal that has since graduated four trainees who are now practicing.

The World of Hope Development campaign is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a cause. We appreciate our 2024 World of Hope Donors who have been instrumental in advancing our mission. With continued support, we will keep paving the way toward a future where every woman has access to quality gynecologic cancer care, regardless of where she lives. Please donate today!

A Marathon of Giving

A special note of recognition to Dr. Thomas Randall who recently completed the Philadelphia Marathon to raise over $15,000 for the Global Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program in Rwanda and Haiti. His dedication exemplifies the power of personal action to inspire global change.

Interested in Hosting a Fundraiser? If you are inspired to host your own World of Hope fundraising event, we are here to support you! Contact Joél Payne at joel.payne@igcs.org to discuss your ideas.

The Grateful Patient Program

Did you know your patients can play a pivotal role in our mission? Through the IGCS Grateful Patient Program, you can guide patients with the means and willingness to support this life-saving work. By connecting their gratitude to action, you’re empowering them to leave a legacy of hope for others.

We offer resources to help you initiate these meaningful conversations. For more information or assistance, reach out to Mary Eiken, IGCS CEO at mary.eiken@igcs.org.