GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 06, 2020 / At today’s General Assembly, held virtually for the first time, Professor Anil D’Cruz from India was welcomed as the new President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Full member organisations also elected the 2020-2022 Board of Directors, including the President-Elect, Professor Jeff Dunn AO of Australia.

During the event chaired by the outgoing President, HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, Professor D’Cruz reflected on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on cancer organisations around the world and how this emphasises the need to engage with governments to ensure that cancer care remains a top priority.

In his vision for the next two years, Professor Anil D’Cruz said: “UICC will continue to strengthen its support for member organisations as they adapt to a changing health landscape, drive innovation to advance cancer control in a way that makes it more equitable, pursue its core advocacy priorities, and reinforce community spirit and collaboration.”

The new President-Elect, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, is a behavioural scientist and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. He will assume the presidency of UICC in October 2022 at the next General Assembly. Professor Dunn has worked closely with UICC for 30 years, served on the Board for the past six years and as Treasurer for the past four. He is particularly committed to harnessing the collective capacity of UICC and the cancer community to inspire action towards achieving the goal of a 25% reduction in premature mortality worldwide by 2025.

Professor Dunn said: “Being called to contribute my time and expertise is a great honour and a wonderful opportunity to fortify our global work at the local level to save lives. As President-Elect, I will continue to devote my time to addressing the health and wellbeing of the community, to prevent cancer when we can and to support those diagnosed when it strikes.”

UICC’s new Board of Directors for 2020-2022 was also elected during an online voting process that was opened at midnight (2am GMT). Elected Board Members hail from UICC member organisations representing Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Portugal, Sweden, UK and USA.

As outgoing President, HRH Princess Dina of Jordan, emphasised the achievements made by UICC and its members during her tenure and thanked the Board of Directors and the CEO for their unwavering support and valuable input. The Board of UICC and Professor Anil D’Cruz thanked Princess Dina for her commitment as President of UICC, noting the energy and enthusiasm she brought to the role.