Posted on October 22, 2008

Avon Foundation, U.S. State Department Partner to Fight Breast Cancer Globally

The New York City-based Avon Foundation and the U.S. Department of State have announced a partnership to strengthen the global fight against breast cancer.

The announcement was made last week during the 2008 Breast Cancer Global Congress in Washington, D.C., where breast cancer experts and healthcare policy makers from more than forty countries were asked to support public-private initiatives in their own nations that address the growing burden of breast cancer. "By combining private sector support and expertise with a successful government public diplomacy program, this partnership will magnify the impact of existing State Department exchange programs and the global philanthropic work of the Avon Foundation," said Goli Ameri, U.S. assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs.

During the congress, participants also worked to provide global experts with opportunities to discuss and address issues related to breast cancer; encourage policy makers, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups to form alliances; and stress the importance of public-private partnerships in changing the approach to providing breast cancer care.

"As a global leader and change agent in the breast cancer cause, the Avon Foundation is proud to be a part of this public-private partnership that assembled such a powerful global network to address and find solutions to the worldwide burden of breast cancer," said foundation executive director Carol Kurzig. "With continued involvement in Department of State programs, I am confident we will continue to bring new energy, ideas, and resources to advance the global fight against breast cancer."