The ceremony was attended by several renowned personalities who lauded Morocco’s recent membership of the IARC, thus becoming the 25th state and the first African state to join the center. They also commended the actions led by the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

In an address on this occasion, HRH Princess Lalla Salma highlighted the center’s role in promoting international cooperation to promote scientific research on cancer and praised the quality of research produced by the IARC since its inception.

"Morocco’s membership of this prestigious institution is the culmination of efforts undertaken in my country to fight cancer," said HRH the Princess, noting that the Kingdom is set to implement a coherent and integrated strategy to achieve that goal.

A mobilization involving all relevant stakeholders at all levels has been launched, she said adding that efforts to fight cancer are part of the human development policy spurred by HM King Mohammed VI.

On the same occasion, HRH Princess Lalla Salma briefed the audience on the contribution of the lalla Salma Foundation in the development of the national cancer prevention and control plan for the 2010-2019 period which provides for 78 measures, of which 72 have already been implemented in 5 years.

HRH the Princess said that research features prominently in Morocco’s anti-cancer plan, saying that the Lalla Salma Foundation is aware of the importance of promoting scientific research through launching calls for funding.

In this regard, an institute for research on cancer was established in Fez as a result of a partnership between the Higher Education Ministry and the Health Ministry, recalled the Princess.

She also highlighted that the significance of international cooperation in implementing Morocco’s plan by easing the access of the poor to cancer health care, noting that the huge disparities between countries of the north and the south may disappear if scientific research is disseminated.

On this occasion, HRH the Princess reiterated her call for teh establishment of an international fund to help fight cancer by supporting the efforts of poor countries, following the example of HIV funds which already yeilded fruitful results.

HRH Princess Lalla Salma said that it is high time to list cancer as a priority on the international health agenda.