The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) Training Manual, a package for programme managers.

WHO, in a statement on Monday, said that the technical derivative product of the WHO GBCI implementation framework would provide 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 covering 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 prioritise early detection of breast cancer, with at least 60 per cent of all new breast cancer cases 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.

It will also strengthen the capacity of health managers in breast cancer control to improve outcomes.

It will further accelerate the implementation of the GBCI framework at all levels across its three operational pillars: early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management.

Following its launch, several countries have already expressed interest in utilising the manual.

GBCI is working with its partners in Ethiopia, Eswatini and the Philippines to adapt the training materials to their local contexts and integrate them into existing national training programmes. 

(NAN)