WHO has published the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) Training Manual – a package for programme managers . This technical derivative product of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative implementation framework provides guidance to countries establishing or strengthening their breast cancer programmes. The manual translates global recommendations into practical context-specific step-by-step approaches to build capacity at national, subnational and facility levels. It comprises technical modules across the entire continuum of breast cancer care, from prevention to early detection, diagnosis and management, as well as health products and technologies, multidisciplinary team-based care and patient navigation. The manual highlights the need for all countries to prioritize early detection of breast cancer for at least 60% of all new breast cancers to be diagnosed at early stages, when curative treatment is most effective, best tolerated and least costly.
This presents an important milestone in strengthening the capacity of programme managers, health-care professionals and implementing partners in breast cancer prevention and control to improve breast cancer outcomes and accelerate the implementation of the framework for the GBCI at all levels across the three operational pillars for early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management.
Following its launch, several countries have already expressed interest in utilizing the manual. GBCI is working with its partners in Ethiopia, Eswatini and Philippines to adapt the training materials to their local contexts and integrate them into existing national training programmes.
