The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) established in 1987, a professional society focused on enhancing the care of women with gynecologic cancer worldwide, announced on August 19, 2020, that Runcie C.W. Chidebe and Project PINK BLUE will jointly receive the 2020 Distinguished Advocacy Award at the opening ceremony on September 10, 2020, of the upcoming xDigital Annual Global Meeting of the society.
A conference earlier scheduled to hold in Rome, Italy will now be held virtually.
Chidebe was recognised for his “outstanding cancer control advocacy throughout Nigeria and in global forums, including founding Project PINK BLUE- an organization focused on cancer advocacy, oncology training and research – as well as influencing the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, developing numerous programmes to serve most needy, and changing cancer awareness and care through Nigeria”, said the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS).
Chidebe is 34years old and has been on the frontline of cancer control and advocacy in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. He is a member of Nigeria’s ministerial committee on the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP 2018-2022) and known for his consistent engagement with the Nigerian government on cancer care and health issue.
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He has been working with hundreds of women diagnosed with cancer in Nigeria. In 2017, he founded the first breast cancer support group in Abuja which has grown into a national network- connecting cancer patients across the country.
In 2019, Chidebe announced during the 2019 World Cancer Day event hosted by Project PINK BLUE that “the Nigerian government to act and take intentional action about cancer…how can we leave in a country where health insurance is actually not mandatory, but vehicle insurance is mandatory, what is our priority in this country?”.
“I am extremely humbled by this recognition. It is proof that we must remain focused and consistent on advocating for our government and indigent women impacted by cancer to have a second chance in life. In my estimation, cervical cancer to girls and women is like poliomyelitis. I want to see a day that all girls and women in Nigeria will have access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines that prevent cervical cancer. Nigerian and African governments need to see that our women’s future will be bleak if we do nothing; that’s my comment in respect to this award,” said Runcie C.W. Chidebe.
Chidebe is only Nigeria recognized among the seven scientists and advocates honoured by the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) globally. Others are Monica Bacon (Canada), Dr Nicoletta Colombo (Italy)- Lifetime achievement Awardees; Dr Rahel Ghebre (USA) –Excellence in Teaching awardee; Dr Nathalie Dauphin McKenzie (USA/Haiti) – Distinguished advocacy awardee; Dr Gloria Salvo and Dr David Cibula will receive the journal awards.
