American Cancer Society President Elmer E. Huerta, MD, MPH (on left), being interviewed by a reporter at a Bolivian television station
Earlier this month, the American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division co-hosted a half-day conference in Bolivia, entitled "Caminemos Juntos Contra el Cancer” (Walking Together Against Cancer), which brought together more than 250 Bolivian health professionals and community organizations to discuss the latest science and regional developments on cervical cancer prevention. Targeted Population Strategies Manager for Hispanic/Latino and International Initiatives Rosa Villoch-Santiago served as mistress of ceremonies, and Chief Mission Officer Patricia Hoge, RN, PhD, gave a presentation on US developments regarding the HPV vaccine. Society President Elmer E. Huerta, MD, MPH, gave the keynote address, “Preventing Cancer in the 21st Century.” Given his past involvement with Hispanic/Latino health issues, his visit generated tremendous enthusiasm in Bolivia. Dr. Huerta met with Bolivia's Minister of Health and conducted numerous interviews on radio and television. The conference marked an important step forward in an ongoing partnership between the Division and the Bolivian Foundation Against Cancer. The Division and its Bolivian colleagues have created an interagency NGO and governmental coalition responsible for initiating the process to create a national cancer plan for Bolivia. The Division will also host a fellowship program focused on mission delivery and outreach strategies in the spring of 2008 for two health educators from the Bolivian foundation.
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