Thank you chair
IFSC Ltd represents Surgery at the WHO since 1960, with focus on neglected communities.
In sub-Saharan Africa hepatocellular carcinoma is mainly an infectious disease due to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and aflatoxin.
HCC is the 2nd leading cancer in men and 3rd in women in Africa; 95% present with advanced disease; survival is 2.5 months.
HCC in Africa is largely preventable with immunisation against Hep B, including monovalent birth dose vaccination, treatment of Hep C and safer food storage.
We respectfully call on the director-general and members states to please address these preventable causes of HCC.