Data-Driven Solutions for Oncology in Ukraine: GMKA Presented Key Findings from National Cancer System Assessment

The Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA) has presented the findings of a large-scale study assessing the health care system's capacity for cancer care in Ukraine. The results were unveiled during a technical meeting attended by over 40 representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) Ukraine, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, oncology health care facilities, professional and patient associations, and academia.

The findings were presented to key stakeholders, including WHO and EU representatives, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, leaders of oncology centers, and others shaping the future of cancer care in the country.

“Over the past year, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with our partners to conduct a comprehensive, data-informed assessment of cancer care in Ukraine. This included site visits, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of both facility-level and patient-level data. Our shared goal was to identify key gaps—both longstanding and those exacerbated by the war—and to propose strategic, feasible recommendations that align with the National Cancer Control Strategy and the National Action Plan,” said Dr. Darya Kizub, a breast medical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Director of Oncology at the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance.

The report highlighted both strengths and weaknesses within Ukraine’s oncology system, offering preliminary recommendations and outlining potential next steps to improve cancer care delivery.

These insights may guide the implementation of the National Cancer Control Strategy (2030) and inform the development of the National Action Plan through 2027. The research is expected to support the creation of evidence-based policies and programs aimed at enhancing access to, and the quality of, cancer care in Ukraine. It also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and the protection of the rights of cancer patients and survivors.

“Despite the challenges Ukraine has faced, we’ve seen tremendous resilience and progress. Cancer care has largely returned to pre-war levels. There is strong national leadership and a vision for the future. Yet critical gaps remain—in workforce capacity, access to diagnostics and treatment, quality assurance, and integrated use of health data,” added Dr. Nelya Melnitchouk, a colorectal surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, CEO and Founder of the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance. “At GMKA, we remain committed to supporting this process. We believe that every person with cancer in Ukraine deserves timely, coordinated, evidence-based care”.

“In this project, GMKA leveraged the research capacity and professional expertise of our international team. We’re proud that our work has been recognized at both the national and international levels,” said Dr. Inesa Huivaniuk, Executive Director of GMKA and a surgical oncologist at the Kyiv Regional Oncology Dispensary. “At GMKA, we are committed to contributing to a sustainable cancer care system in Ukraine. Gathering robust data and engaging with stakeholders to define the next steps was crucial. We remain dedicated to building a patient-centered healthcare system in Ukraine and are open to continued collaboration and involvement.”

The meeting was held with the support of the WHO Office in Ukraine, as part of a cancer system needs assessment project funded by the European Union and implemented by GMKA.