Project Update from Türkiye: Engaging Our Partners in Value-based Healthcare and Breast Cancer
The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) is working in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and dedicated partners in Türkiye to make quality treatment for breast cancer available to more women through the value-based healthcare (VBHC) approach.
From April 14th to 18th 2024, members of the VBHC team visited partners in Istanbul and Ankara to understand the successes and challenges on the ground, learn the perspectives of key stakeholders, and inform planning for the next project phase.
On Monday 15 April 2024, the project team hosted a Roundtable Discussion at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, in which members of the technical expert working group discussed factors causing delays in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer in Türkiye. Common themes which emerged included lack of motivation and awareness of women, lack of information on the importance of screening and early detection, and fragmented patient pathways. Further context was shared regarding the integration of “KETEMs” (early detection & diagnosis centres) into Healthy Life Centres.
During their visit, the team also engaged in bilateral meetings, including exploration of opportunities for collaboration with the WHO Country Office, the Value-based Healthcare Association (DETESADER), and the Turkish Association for Cancer Research and Control.
The team had a fruitful and productive visit and attended a total of nine in-person meetings, generated 15 new engagement leads, developed three new opportunities for collaboration and partnership, and gained further insight into the health system, partnerships, and legislation to support development of pilot projects in the next phase.
GSF and UNITAR are looking forward to continuing work with our partners in Türkiye to make an impact for patients.