Princess Dina Mired, President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest global cancer-fighting organization, has sought the assistance of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to create the needed awareness on the deadly disease.

“As we work to ensure that cancer control continues to be a priority in the world health and development agenda, His Royal Majesty’s influential role would be needed in realizing our goals."

“Kumasi can be a role model in cancer care,” Princess Dina said, citing the UICC’s choice of the metropolis as one of the areas for the implementation of the ‘City Cancer Challenge Project’.

Princess Dina, who paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at his Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, acknowledged that the king’s support was indispensable for the success of the Project.

She was accompanied by Mr. Osei Assibey-Antwi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), who was instrumental in securing the bid for the implementation of the Project in the city.

The UICC President is in the country on a four-day working visit to promote the ideals of the Union for the prevention of cancer in all its forms.

As part of her schedule, she joined some notable women personalities, including the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, as well as Lady Julia, wife of the Asantehene to mark the celebration of this year’s ‘World Cancer Day’ on Tuesday, at the Great Hall, Kumasi.

Princess Dina observed that the UICC was impressed with the systems and structures instituted by the city authorities for cancer care and prevention. The UICC, she said, was optimistic about efforts by their counterparts to address the rising incidence of cancer to ensure the total wellbeing of the people.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the decision by the UICC to choose Kumasi for the Cancer Challenge Project was appropriate since the city has a capable human resource base for that purpose.

He promised to collaborate with the authorities to create awareness on the disease.