Salomé Meyer | Cancer Alliance
| What’s the name of your business, nonprofit or project? |
| Cancer Alliance |
| What city and country is your business, nonprofit or project located in? |
| Auckland Park, Johannesburg |
| Describe your business, nonprofit or project, and the products and/or services you offer? |
| The Cancer Alliance is a collective group of cancer control non-profit organisations and cancer advocates brought together under a common mandate, to provide a platform of collaboration for cancer civil society to speak with one voice and be a powerful tool to affect change for all South African adults and children affected by cancer. The objectives of the Cancer Alliance are expressed in our 2024 Strategic Plan as: * Focus on equitable access to cancer care and treatment * Build the capacity of cancer advocates * Focus on transparency, openness and respect * Increase cancer advocates at community level to promote sustainable prevention and care * Increase funding and sustainability through fund development and grant funding * Build the brand of the Cancer Alliance as ONE VOICE We focus on human rights based advocacy and since 2018 published evidenced based reports that is linked to our advocacy asks. Our members use these reports to attract funding and build networks again for their own programs. Cancer Alliance does not implement directly in communities as this will encroach on the work of our members. We have a Charter and Code of Conduct that regulates the operating model. |
| Are you Caribbean or African, or of Caribbean or African descent? If you are, please tell us details. |
| The members of the Cancer Alliance are all locally based cancer non-profit and community-based organisations. We are indeed African and home-brewed as we proudly refer to ourselves. We have a rich history of cultural diversity that is reflective in our democracy with a strong constitutional obligation towards upholding of basic human rights. Members reflect the South African society as a whole. |
| Do you think your Caribbean or African upbringing/heritage has impacted your work? If so, please explain how. |
| The Cancer Alliance is a diverse group if members. Each member reflects the society of South Africa. Our primary objective is to focus on social justice by advocating for equitable cancer care. We are able to do this by adopting a community orientated and people-centred care model across the cancer continuum of care. Our work is culturally sensitive and we ensure that we have an inclusive approach. We are also proud to say that we are not dictated by Industry in the work that we do – thus making sure that we focus on the actual needs of communities. We are resilient in the work that we do – and focus on the collective by building networks with other like-minded health organisations with a social justice focus. We established the Cancer Alliance already in 2011 – and operated as an Alliance for 10 years – building this specific culture of collaboration/inclusion in a respectful manner. We registered as a non-profit company only in 2011 to enable us to solicit grants from funders abroad. |
| How does your work positively impact culture + community? |
| The Cancer Alliance through their members ensure through their direct engagement with communities that the following is adhered too: Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: South Africa is known for its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Growing up in this diverse environment can enhances our cultural sensitivity, making us more adept at understanding and respecting the varied cultural backgrounds of our patients. This is crucial in cancer care, where cultural beliefs can significantly influence treatment preferences and health behaviors. Community-Oriented Approach: South African culture emphasizes community and collective well-being. This perspective drives us to adopt a holistic approach to cancer care, considering not only the individual patient but also their family and community. This help in providing more personalized support and addressing the broader social and emotional needs of patients. Resilience and Adaptability: South Africa’s complex socio-economic landscape foster resilience and adaptability. These traits are valuable in cancer care, where we may encounter diverse challenges, including resource limitations and varying levels of access to healthcare. The background of each member helps us to navigate these challenges with creativity and perseverance. Awareness of Health Disparities: Growing up in South Africa, we all are acutely aware of significant health disparities. This awareness drives us to advocate for equitable cancer care and work towards addressing disparities in treatment and support services. We are more attuned to the needs of underserved populations and more committed to improving access to care as our work is mainly focussed in serving the public sector. 86% of the population access public health in South Africa. Strong Communication Skills: South Africa’s multilingual environment have honed our communication skills, enabling us to engage effectively with patients from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This is particularly beneficial in ensuring clear and compassionate communication with patients and their families. Our members reflect the very diverse dynamics that are required to serve communities with dignity. Focus on Preventative Care: In South Africa, there is often a strong emphasis on community health and prevention. This perspective influences our approach to cancer care, emphasizing the importance of education, early detection, and preventive measures to reduce cancer incidence and improve outcomes. Many of our organisations have this as a core function. |
| What message of hope or inspiration would you like to share with other women in our community who are also pursuing their dreams? |
| Cervical Cancer is thé MOST preventable cancer – you have a right to access to the HPV vaccine, you have a right to have at minimum two cervical cancer screenings in your life-time and you have the right to quality and timely treatment for cervical cancer. Through creating awareness in communities we are able to allow young girls women and mothers to realise their dreams. We should #LeaveNOWomenBehind. |
| Link to Your Website (if applicable) |
| https://canceralliance.org.za/ |
| Links to Your Social Media Pages (if applicable) |
| https://www.facebook.com/cancerallianceza https://x.com/Cancer_ZA |
| How should potential customers and persons interested in networking & partnerships contact you? |
| salome@canceralliance.org.za or info@canceralliance.org.za |
