SÃO PAULO – February 10, 2009 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader in the breast cancer movement, is supporting seven community projects designed to address some of the most pressing issues Brazil faces in the fight against breast cancer.
The projects, which are aimed at increasing early detection of breast cancer, range from training community health agents on breast health and patient rights in one of São Paulo’s largest and poorest neighborhoods, to involving middle school students and their families in São Caetano with the culmination of a Mother’s Day Event, to working with community leaders to raise awareness among women ages 15-39 in Porto Alegre. The combined total of the community grants is nearly $50,000.
To celebrate the awards, a press event will take place Tuesday evening, February 10 , at São Paulo’s Einstein Hospital, the lead partner in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness in Brazil.
Creating a dynamic global network of dedicated breast health activists
“With more than 1 million women worldwide receiving a breast cancer diagnosis each year, it has never been more critical to increase advocacy for, and education about, this life-threatening disease,” said Annetta Hewko, Komen for the Cure’s vice president of its International division. “This ground-breaking initiative contributes to creating a dynamic global network of dedicated breast health activists with the skills, knowledge and vision to play a strategic role in shaping their country’s response to breast cancer.”
Grants were based on the individual project’s ability to address the needs and realities identified in the community profiles, potential for sustainability and impact on breast health, innovation, and the degree of collaboration with organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors.
Komen for the Cure and the Institute of International Education (IIE) launched the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness in 2007. It is now active in nine countries. The community projects are a result of the work carried out by a network of breast cancer advocates who have participated in Komen’s Course for the Cure™ trainings over the past year.
Community projects address gaps in breast health awareness and education
Course for the Cure™ is a series of training modules based on Komen’s 27 years of experience in breast cancer awareness and advocacy. Advocates of the Global Initiative network designed community projects to address gaps in breast health awareness and education identified by the Global Initiative.
The Global Initiative has established strong partnerships with local leaders in breast health and identified, recruited and trained more than 500 women and men in 24 communities in advocacy, fundraising, health education, volunteerism and community assessment. In each country, these advocates develop a community profile of breast health and identify barriers to care or “gaps” in breast health that had never before been compiled. These prioritized gaps formed the basis for developing plans for education outreach, awareness programs and advocacy efforts to improve breast health outcomes.
In its second year, the Komen Global Initiative activities focus on deepening and supporting the activists trained. Additional training workshops are broadening the network and the tools available to them, and community grants are empowering them to put their learning into action as they tackle challenges identified in the first year. Komen is also sponsoring innovative six-month projects in Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Romania and Ukraine, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Institute of International Education
Founded in 1919, the Institute of International Education (IIE) is one of the world’s most experienced global higher education and professional exchange organizations. IIE has long worked to implement international training programs to build leadership skills and enhance the capacity of individuals and organizations to address local and global challenges. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness is managed by IIE West Coast Center in San Francisco.
Learn more about the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness:
Institute of International Education (IIE) West Coast Center
530 Bush Street, Suite 1000 • San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel: +1 415-362-6520 • Fax: +1 415-392-4667
email: globalkomen@iie.org web: www.komen.org/global or www.iiesf.org
