Position: Vice President – Europe

I am a board member of the Institute of Cancer Policy, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Community and Patient Engagement and visiting researcher at Kings College London. Research interests span the spectrum of global cancer prevention and control with a particular interest in women’s health and cancer. I gained a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool, UK, conducted post-doctoral research at the University of Marburg, Germany and entered the health arena and field of oncology through industry clinical trials work across phases I-IV (2000-2008). Since then, I’ve worked internationally with a policy and advocacy focus working alongside United Nations agencies and government bodies. During more than a decade (2008-2021) at UICC in Geneva, Switzerland I worked with cancer organisations across the globe, including AORTIC, in advocating for the Global Action Plan on NCDs, the palliative care and cancer resolutions and most recently the WHO Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem. My cancer research covers cancer systems strengthening, access to cancer medicines, palliative care, radiotherapy and cancer surgery. I am currently a member of the WHO Global Guideline Group for Cervical Cancer and an advisor to Global Breast Cancer Initiative. I am a Trustee of World Child Cancer, with strong African partnerships, and I support a wide network of civil society organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa on a volunteer basis, in particular as a board member of Kilele Health Association, Kenya, Humanity at Heart, Cameroon and advisor to the African Cervical Health Alliance.

Motivation
I’ve been involved with AORTIC since 2009. I am excited to bring my track record in strategic thinking, organisational development, policy, advocacy, patient engagement and research to the Council for the benefit of members and their respective communities. This nomination is an honour; it would be a privilege to serve.