ICCD in the European Parliament

SIOP Europe once again marked International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD, 15 February) with an event which this year was hosted by MEP Loucas Fourlas, on 3 February 2021.

The European paediatric haemato-oncology community, including representatives of parents, patients and survivors, calls on EU decision-makers and partner stakeholders to maintain and strengthen their support for research into the causes of childhood oncohaematological diseases, to encourage the development of new medicines and the provision of follow-up care for survivors, so as to improve their lives.

ICCD2021 built on the 6 key recommendations of the paediatric oncology community following the evaluation by the European Commission of the legislation on medicines for children and rare diseases. (PDF in Bulgarian) Parents and the academic community presented the unmet needs and the current projects to promote equal access to innovative, essential and supportive medicines. The topics included shortages, therapeutic innovation and pricing. Insights were sought from leading representatives of the European Union. The synergistic roles of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and EU investment in research in addressing these problems were discussed by all stakeholders.

The whole event is available HERE