April 26, 2024 – The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network commends the efforts of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in developing this important instrument for global health security. CCSN has established a set of recommendations for the Canadian representative on the INB regarding the development of a new WHO Pandemic Agreement. While the draft Agreement outlines robust measures for pandemic preparedness and response, CCSN identifies a gap regarding continuation of care for existing health conditions during crises. Patients with chronic illnesses, like cancer, face significant challenges in accessing essential healthcare services during crises. Disruptions in healthcare services during pandemics can have devastating consequences for individuals with chronic illnesses like cancer. Missed treatments, delayed surgeries, and limited access to medication can significantly worsen health outcomes and quality of life.
The current draft of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, while comprehensive in its approach to infectious disease pandemics, lacks specific provisions to address the critical issue of continuation of care for existing health conditions, particularly chronic illnesses like cancer. During pandemics, disruptions in healthcare services due to overwhelmed systems, resource limitations, and safety measures can have devastating consequences for these patients. Missed treatments, delayed surgeries, and limited access to medication can significantly worsen health outcomes, increase mortality rates, and negatively impact quality of life.
From 2020 to 2023, the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) commissioned five surveys by Leger, a leading Canadian polling and market research firm. These surveys aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. The surveys targeted a broad range of individuals, including:
- Cancer patients: This group encompassed individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment, monitoring, or living with a past cancer diagnosis.
- Caregivers: This category included family members, friends, and loved ones who provide emotional and practical support to cancer patients.
- Pre-diagnosis patients: This group included individuals undergoing tests or experiencing symptoms suggestive of cancer but without a confirmed diagnosis yet.
The surveys revealed a concerning trend: 54% of respondents reported having appointments cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This disruption in access to essential cancer care services has the potential to significantly impact treatment outcomes and overall patient well-being.
Specific Challenges:
- Healthcare System Capacity: Pandemics often overwhelm healthcare systems, leading to reduced access to essential services for chronic illnesses. Surgeries may be postponed, appointments cancelled, and access to specialists limited.
- Supply Chain disruptions: A crisis can disrupt global supply chains for essential medications, making it difficult for patients to access critical treatments.
- Vulnerable Populations: Patients with chronic illnesses are often more vulnerable to complications from infectious diseases. They may also face additional challenges due to compromised immune systems or the need for ongoing medical care.
Recommendations:
To address these challenges, CCSN urges the INB to consider incorporating a dedicated article or section within the Agreement that explicitly outlines measures to ensure continuation of care for existing health conditions during crises and pandemics. This section should clearly define the importance of maintaining the capacity of healthcare systems to deliver essential services for chronic illnesses. It should also address specific strategies for mitigating disruptions in care, such as:
- Contingency and continuation plans: This includes outlining clear protocols for ensuring essential services like surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy remain accessible during pandemics.
- Diversifying supply chains: The Agreement could encourage measures to diversify supply chains for essential medications to ensure continued access for chronic disease patients.
- Prioritizing vulnerable populations: The Agreement should highlight the need for clear guidelines to prioritize access to essential healthcare services for vulnerable populations during pandemics.
By incorporating a dedicated section on continuation of care, the Agreement would provide much-needed clarity and guidance for national governments in developing their pandemic preparedness plans. This will ensure that the needs of patients with chronic illnesses are explicitly considered and addressed, ultimately protecting their health and well-being during pandemics.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical gap in global pandemic preparedness: ensuring continuation of care for existing health conditions, particularly chronic illnesses like cancer. CCSN urges the INB to address this gap by incorporating the recommendations outlined above.
By prioritizing continuation of care within the WHO Pandemic Agreement, we can safeguard the health and well-being of millions of individuals living with chronic illnesses during pandemics. This will not only minimize the negative impact on their health outcomes and quality of life but also ensure a more robust and equitable global response to future health crises.
CCSN stands ready to collaborate further with the INB to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive WHO Pandemic Agreement that protects the health of all individuals, including those living with chronic illnesses.
To read the full submission, click HERE.