Cancer training participants and faculty members on a site visit to a community radio station in Thailand's Angthong province. The radio station regularly broadcasts cancer awareness information provided by an American Cancer Society subgrantee.
The American Cancer Society convened 32 representatives from 15 Asian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) for the 3rd American Cancer Society Asia Regional Cancer Control Program Training November 22-25 in Bangkok, Thailand. This training was generously supported by the Pfizer USA Foundation with matching funds from local Pfizer offices in the region. The purpose of the training, co-hosted by the Chulabhorn Cancer Center (CCC), was to share best practices in organizational, strategic, and program planning, and in resource mobilization. Speakers and training participants shared ideas and information about cancer and tobacco control in Southeast Asia, organizational strategic planning, and volunteerism and fundraising. Training faculty members included Iris Pendergast, senior manager, International Relay For LifeĀ®, American Cancer Society; Loyce Pace, director of Regional Programs, Global Health, American Cancer Society; James Bradley of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, executive director and honorary general secretary of the National Cancer Society Malaysia. Guest speakers included Dr. Charas Suwannawella, vice president, Chulabhorn Cancer Center; Dr. Thiravud Khuhaprema, director, Thailand National Cancer Institute; the Honorable Eric John, US Ambassador to Thailand; and Dr. Kwanchanit Tantivejkul, an American Cancer Society consultant. Azwar Kamarudin, senior manager, Public Affairs, Pfizer Malaysia, gave a presentation on corporate partnerships, and representatives of Pfizer Thailand Foundation and Pfizer Asia Pacific were also in attendance. The training was featured in Thai and English language stories from several local radio, television, and newspaper organizations.
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