Victor Yushchenko signed yesterday the Charter of Paris Against
Cancer to "confirm Ukraine’s desire and political will to achieve its goals, and
our country's intention to fulfill it." The Charter of Paris is aimed at
improving cancer treatment and developing cancer research, president's press office reported.
"By joining the Charter of Paris, which has been signed by
thirty-two countries, Ukraine demonstrates its aspiration to reinforce its
efforts to fight cancer and help cancer patients," he said.
The President said 90,000 Ukrainians die of cancer every year
and called on all of us to unite to fight it. He said the country could reduce
this number by promoting cancer awareness and popularizing healthy lifestyle. He
added that it was also vital prevent and diagnose cancer more efficiently.
Mr. Yushchenko said a Cancer Institute would be established in
Ukraine soon. It will unite scientific, professional and administrative
resources in order to formulate a national agenda to fight cancer, unify
treatment standards and adopt state-of-the-art medical techniques. He said the
government was now preparing a National program to fight cancer for 2007-2016.
One of its objectives is to create this institute, he added.
France’s Ambassador to Ukraine, who was present at today’s
ceremony, read out a letter written by French President Jacques Chirac: “France
welcomes the fact that Ukraine joined the Charter of Paris…”
The honorary President of France’s Institut National du
Cancer (National Cancer Institute) said, “Today’s event to sign the Charter
of Paris is a huge step forward. It is truly humanistic and aimed at benefiting
people.”
