The Last Mile: Screening, Vaccination, and Treatment – Driving Investment, Innovation, and Alignment (Italian Embassy)

The International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC) is convening “The Last Mile”, a three-part global dialogue series during UNGA High-Level Week, to address one of the greatest challenges in global health: ensuring that innovation in cancer and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) reaches all populations, everywhere.

NCDs, including cancer, account for over 70% of global deaths. While breakthroughs in AI, digital health, early detection, and treatment offer unprecedented promise, the “last mile” — the point where innovation meets those most in need — remains the hardest gap to close.

These dialogues bring together governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, academia, and industry leaders to forge a Consensus Framework for Action and build momentum from investment to delivery.

Three Dialogues, One Arc of Action:

This is the first event in a three-part global series:

• Italy – Why invest? Making the innovation and investment case
• United Nations – What global framework? Building consensus for action
• Switzerland – How to deliver? Turning frameworks into implementation

This opening dialogue makes the case for investment in prevention, screening, vaccination, and treatment. It highlights the launch of the Italian Prevention Hub and positions cancer as a proving ground for NCD innovation.