HVO Welcomes SSO as New Sponsor

For Immediate Release

Health Volunteers Overseas

Media Contact: Katie McMullen

E-mail: k.mcmullen@hvousa.org

Phone: 202-296-0928 ext. 125

HVO Welcomes Society of Surgical Oncology as Sponsor

[Washington, DC - January 12, 2017] Health Volunteers Overseas is pleased to welcome the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) as a new sponsor and partner in improving global health care. SSO is dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and treatment of cancer and will provide essential support for HVO’s oncology program.

“Health Volunteers Overseas is one of the premier organizations in the world dedicated to facilitating the interface between the very strong desire of surgeons to volunteer to help in underserved countries, and the burgeoning need for basic resources and services to achieve the ultimate objective of safe cancer surgery for all,” said SSO President Dr. Daniel Coit. “The Society of Surgical Oncology is enthusiastic about the opportunity to become a sponsoring organization of Health Volunteers Overseas. This exciting collaboration will allow the Society to expand its global outreach, while fulfilling our mission of improving multidisciplinary patient care by advancing the science, education and practice of cancer surgery worldwide. We are optimistic that this partnership will be a valuable resource for our members and for the international community.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012. The WHO predicts the number of new cases will rise by 70% over the next two decades.

“The current and rising number of cancer cases demonstrates a significant need for improved access to oncology care, including safe surgery,” remarked HVO Executive Director Nancy Kelly, MHS. “By partnering with the Society of Surgical Oncology, HVO will be better able to provide education and training to surgical providers in resource-scarce countries. We are delighted to welcome SSO to the HVO global network and look forward to working with them and our overseas partners to improve surgical oncology around the world.”

The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) is the premier organization for surgeons and health care providers dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and treatment of cancer. The Society’s focus on all solid-tumor disease sites is reflected in its Annual Cancer Symposium, monthly scientific journal (Annals of Surgical Oncology), educational initiatives and committee structure. The Society’s mission is to improve multidisciplinary patient care by advancing the science, education and practice of cancer surgery worldwide. For more information, please visit www.surgonc.org.

About HVO

Health Volunteers Overseas is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve global health through education of the local health workforce in resource-scarce countries. HVO volunteers build local capacity by empowering health care professionals with knowledge and skills to address the health care needs of their communities. HVO volunteers are trained health care professionals - physicians, nurses, dentists, physical therapists and others - willing to donate their time and expertise to work side-by-side with their colleagues overseas. Since 1986, HVO staff and volunteers have collaborated with a variety of health institutions to design, develop and implement each HVO project, working toward better patient care around the globe in trauma care, child and maternal health, essential surgery, cancer care, rehabilitation, and more. Visit www.hvousa.org to learn how you can become part of their global health community.