At City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), we believe in the power of locally-led research to improve cancer care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cancer care is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental right, and for the second consecutive year, C/Can is proud to announce the recipients of its Seed Grant Initiative, which empowers researchers to address health system challenges and accelerate progress in cancer care.
This year, seven grants of $5,000 each have been awarded to researchers in Arequipa (Peru), Greater Petaling (Malaysia), Kumasi (Ghana), León (Mexico), Nairobi (Kenya), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Rosario (Argentina), and Tbilisi (Georgia). These projects are designed to generate early-stage research and exploratory studies while developing capacity among rising junior and mid-career investigators in the field.
The 2024 grantees are:
- Conrad Ninbiire (Kumasi)
- Diane Woei-Quan Chong ( Greater Petaling)
- Elene Kekelia (Tbilisi)
- Livia Martinez (Arequipa)
- Lucas Nyabero (Nairobi)
- María Encarnación Alonso (Rosario)
- Yelda Leal (León)
Building on a Legacy of Success
Launched in 2023, the C/Can Seed Research Grant Initiative has already delivered impactful results. The 2023 cohort tackled issues of navigating cancer care financing, workforce development and access to essential oncology medicines, among other,, laying the foundation for scalable, evidence-based interventions. These projects have not only contributed to local solutions but have also helped build a foundation for evidence-informed strategies that can be adapted nationally and globally.
Read about the 2023 Seed Grant results here. The success of the first cohort of researchers underscores the importance of this initiative in fostering innovative, locally-driven research in LMICs.
Seed grants and the C/Can research initiative
Awardees are taking on projects that align with the principles of C/Can’s Research Initiative and address five areas critical to equitable cancer care, identified through city needs assessments:
- Patient-Centric Care: Enhancing services to reflect patients’ needs, preferences, and experiences.
- Development of Human Capital: Strengthening the capacity and diversity of the health workforce.
- Equitable Access to Cancer Care Services: Making care accessible and affordable to underserved populations.
- Quality of Cancer Care: Promoting standards of safety and effectiveness in treatment.
- Knowledge Generation and Exchange: Transforming cities into hubs for innovation and informed decision-making.
Each project represents a critical step toward equitable cancer care in LMICs.
A Collective Commitment to Advancing Cancer Research
The Seed Grant Initiative is more than just funding—it is a commitment to building capacity and driving change where it is needed most. Through locally-adapted solutions, we are helping to build resilient healthcare systems to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to quality cancer care.
“This programme reflects our mission to empower local leaders and researchers to drive change that is both meaningful and sustainable”, said Meritxell Mallafré-Larrosa, Research Leat at C/Can.
With only 0.5% of global cancer research funding directed toward LMICs despite these regions bearing 70% of cancer mortality, initiatives like this are essential to addressing inequities in cancer care and research.
Looking Ahead
As we welcome the 2024 cohort, we are excited to see how their work will contribute to the advancement of cancer care and create sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes across LMICs.
Join us in empowering cities and researchers to transform global cancer care.
Learn more about our Seed Grant Initiative and its role in building equitable health systems.
