Daiichi Sankyo has identified contributing to cancer care for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as one of its key priorities in its global health initiatives focused on access to healthcare. Based on this policy, the company will participate in Phase 2 of the WHO-GBCI through a partnership with City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), an NGO working to improve access to cancer care.
 
 
 
The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (WHO-GBCI) is a WHO-led global initiative aimed at reducing disparities in breast cancer mortality. Through its partnership with C/Can, an implementation partner supporting city-level action, the initiative seeks to strengthen breast cancer care systems in low- and middle-income countries.  The long term vision of the initiative is to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually, with the goal of saving 2.5 million lives over 20 years. Built on three pillars— (1) early detection, (2) timely diagnosis, and (3) comprehensive breast cancer treatment and management—the initiative is working to strengthen healthcare systems in countries and regions. Through implementation partners such as C/Can, the initiative incorporates practical, city-level approaches to strengthen local breast cancer care systems and support national priorities.
 
During Phase 1 of the WHO-GBCI, which began in 2023, efforts were made in four cities—Tbilisi (Georgia), Kumasi (Ghana), Cali (Colombia), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia)—to develop locally-led Breast Cancer Action Plans (BCAPs), train healthcare professionals, and strengthen collaboration with medical institutions. Specifically, the initiative provided breast cancer care services to over 81,800 women and trained more than 450 healthcare professionals. These efforts have helped clarify and organize challenges tailored to the specific circumstances of each country and region and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
 
In WHO-GBCI Phase 2 (2026–2028), which begins in 2026, the initiative plans to expand the target regions and cities based on the outcomes of Phase 1 and move the plan into the implementation phase. Efforts will be expanded from the city level to the national level, and initiatives tailored to the specific circumstances of each country and region will be advanced to build sustainable healthcare systems.
 
Beginning in Phase 2, Daiichi Sankyo has entered a three-year (2026–2028) strategic partnership with C/Can to support implementation efforts aligned with the objectives of the WHO-GBCI. Leveraging the expertise and experience cultivated in the field of oncology, the company will contribute to improving equitable access to breast cancer care and strengthening healthcare systems through partnerships that support locally led implementation and capacity building. Guided by its purpose of “Contribute to the enrichment of quality of life around the world,” Daiichi Sankyo will continue to work toward realizing sustainable and inclusive healthcare and society through global partnerships.
 
 
*City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is a global nonprofit organization supporting cities in low- and middle-income countries to strengthen cancer care systems through locally led, multisectoral collaboration. By convening governments, healthcare providers, civil society, and global partners, C/Can works to improve equitable access to quality cancer care and build sustainable impact from the ground up.