The Best Scenario for Nonparticipatory Conditions

Abstract

Entering the 3rd millennium, the 7th Secretary General of the United Nations proclaimed the global actions as the result of the synergy between 3 main pillars of the society including the governments with the key role in the field of politics and law, business entities in the field of economy and community-based organizations in the arena of civil society. WHO states: “A National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) is a public health program designed to reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths and improve quality of life of cancer patients.” It has also stated: “If national leaders decide to create a new or updated cancer control plan, then the cancer control planning process can start with broad participatory support. All key stakeholders should be involved early in the planning stages, and national leadership is needed throughout the process.” The key question is “Do national cancer control plans include the main stakeholders according to Mr. Annan's recommendation?” The short answer is “No.” This presentation will address the fundamental question that in the situation where the governments, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are the only policy makers in the field of health, while there exists active community-based organizations with proven advocacy reach operating with complete reliance on public donations and social assets, what is the main role of these organizations now that their capacities are not being used in national cancer control planning: 1. Be only an executor of these plans? 2. Design strategic plans in parallel with the national programs? 3. Allocate their resources to fill the gaps which are not addressed by the governments?