The Embassy of Italy celebrated the international childhood cancer day together with the State Minister for Health, Dr. Joyce Kaducu Moriku, and a delegation of the Italian association AFRON – Oncology for Africa at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Numerous representatives from academic institutions, civil society and the media also participated in the initiative.
During the Conference steps taken by the Ugandan Government, together with international partners and civil society, to reduce infant mortality and promote a culture of prevention were outlined.
The Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Domenico Fornara, reiterated the commitment of the Italian Cooperation, always supportive to Uganda through programmes to the national health system, and stressed the essential role played by Italian NGOs.
Particular attention was dedicated to the work of AFRON – Oncology for Africa. The organization has been active for over nine years in promoting a culture of prevention and screening campaigns of infant and female tumors in Uganda (and recently also in Rwanda). It is to be noted that the chairperson of AFRON, Dr. Maria Tiziana Andriani, was given two major awards in 2018 for her efforts in Uganda: in October, on the occasion of the celebrations of the anniversary of Uganda’s independence, the President of the Republic of Uganda, H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, decorated her with the Golden Jubilee Medal; in December the President of the Italian Republic, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, awarded her the title of Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI).
In her closing remarks State Minister Kaducu also thanked Italy for the support given to the health sector in Uganda and emphasized the work of AFRON.
At the end of the Conference, the State Minister Kaducu and Amb. Fornara delivered to the children under care at the Institute toys collected from Italy by AFRON under the initiative: Smiling Toy. The day ended with a reception hosted by the Ambassador at the Italian residence.
