The round table "Kazakhstan-Sweden: Exchange of experience on cancer care management – best practices" took place today with the participation of the representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Oncologists from Sweden and Kazakhstan discussed the organization of medical care for patients with cancer, as well as exchanged experience in the field of modern cancer therapy in both countries. The event was organized by the Embassy of Sweden and the Swedish Trade & Invest Council, Business Sweden, with the support of the British-Swedish biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The round table launched a series of thematic events of the Swedish Alliance for Healthсare in Eurasia to improve efficiency in cancer treatment in the region.
Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. In 2020, almost 10 million people died due to cancer. To date, cancer care in Kazakhstan is being developed within the framework of the Strategic plan of the Ministry of Healthcare and the Comprehensive cancer control plan for 2023-2027. According to the latest data, 218,213 patients with cancer were under medical supervision in Kazakhstan at the end of 2023. The most common types of cancer are breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
During the round table, national oncologists from KazIOR, led by Dilyara Kaidarova, the Chief External Oncologist of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and experts from Sweden, including Kjell Ivarsson, Sweden National Cancer Coordinator, discussed the importance of developing and implementing strategies for cancer control to improve the five-year survival rate of cancer patients. Particular attention was paid to early diagnosis, budgeting issues in resource-constrained environments, and access to innovative treatment methods.
Kjell Ivarsson, National Cancer Coordinator at Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions: "Sweden has consistently demonstrated outstanding results in cancer care, with one of the lowest cancer mortality rates in Europe. This can be attributed to our comprehensive and systematic approach to cancer management. Sweden has implemented robust screening programs, enabling early detection and timely intervention. Additionally, our healthcare system emphasizes evidence-based guidelines for treatment, ensuring that patients timely receive the most effective therapies available".
Mattias Lindgren, Country Manager for Eurasia, Turkey, Poland and Romania, Swedish Trade & Invest Council (Business Sweden): "Our dialogue today marks the official launch of the Swedish Healthcare Alliance in Eurasia. This initiative aims to create a platform for deepened partnerships among medical professionals, academia, industry, and government representatives. We are confident that collaboration is the key to success in advancing medical care, treatment, and healthcare management. The initiative is coordinated by the Swedish Trade and Investment Council. Members of the Alliance include medical companies AstraZeneca, SOBI, Acino, and Elekta, whose representatives are here in the audience and via video link today. The initiative has also garnered support from the Swedish Ministry of Health. Through this Alliance, we aim to develop long-term partnerships that extend beyond this round table, ensuring ongoing cooperation and knowledge exchange across various areas of healthcare".
Maria Shipuleva, Director, AstraZeneca Kazakhstan, spoke about the company's innovative developments: "One of the important goals of AstraZeneca is to develop innovative medicines that will eliminate cancer from the causes of mortality and help people to maintain a high quality of life. We conduct our research in such innovative areas of medicine as immuno-oncology (activation of the body's immune system to fight cancer); cell therapy (use of living cells to fight cancer); and targeted therapy (development of therapies targeting genetic mutations and resistance mechanisms). As of today, Kazakhstani patients already have access to a range of AstraZeneca medications for the treatment of such oncological diseases as lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast, and ovarian cancer, as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We continue to work on expanding patient access to innovative and effective therapy, including through initiatives for experience sharing and the development of cooperation between countries.
Let us recall that in February 2023, Kazakhstan and Sweden signed a memorandum on long-term cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals and healthcare. This document became the foundation for fruitful interaction between the countries. To continue the inter-country dialogue on public health issues, the Swedish Alliance for Healthсare in Eurasia has launched its work today.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
