Pfizer awards grants in fight against cancer and tobacco

Pfizer has announced the launch of a $33 million (17 million pounds) multi-year award programme which aims to tackle the growing challenges of cancer and tobacco around the world.

Global Health Partnership grants have been awarded to 15 non-governmental organisations in 26 countries in its first round.

The grants build on the work of the Pfizer Foundation, which for the last five years has supported the American Cancer Society’s programmes in Latin America and China to provide patient advocacy, research and also strengthen grassroots tobacco control efforts.

However, Pfizer reports that these multi-year grants aim to improve information sharing among cancer and tobacco control leaders and support the development of targeted interventions and education campaigns.

Robert Mallett, president of the Pfizer Foundation, illustrated the organisation’s history as a “pioneer” in developing health programmes that focus on disease prevention.

“This programme can help us have a measurable impact in advancing cancer and tobacco control efforts around the world,” he stated.

Chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, John R Seffrin, said the grants would allow the organisation to “build cancer control capacity” in the most vulnerable parts of the world.

Earlier this month, an international conference sponsored by Pfizer discussed the threats of counterfeit medicines.