Under the auspices of the League of Arab States, the third forum of associations dedicated to addressing cancer-related issues in the Arab world convened under the theme "The Impact of Psychological Support on the Course of Treatment." The event took place on 4 February 2024, at the General Secretariat headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo. The forum was organised by the Egyptian Society for Supporting Cancer Patients.
The gathering was honoured by the presence of His Excellency Dr. Adel Al-Adawi, the former Minister of Health and Population of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Participants included representatives from cancer associations in various Arab countries, along with a notable assembly of Arab medical professionals and people who have experienced the challenges of cancer firsthand. The forum provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, emphasising the crucial role of psychological support in the cancer treatment journey.
During the inaugural session of the forum, Counsellor Khamis Al-Bouzidi, Director of the Department of Civil Society Organisations in the Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, stressed the significance of holding the event under the auspices of the League. He underscored that this decision reflects a profound recognition of the essential need for collaborative endeavours between official and civil entities. Such collaborations are vital to bolster the resilience of all cancer patients across Arab nations, providing crucial support throughout their treatment journey.
Al-Bouzidi highlighted the importance of standing by the side of cancer patients by offering the necessary psychological support. He highlighted that this support plays a pivotal role in strengthening patients' will to live and fostering hope for recovery. The League of Arab States, through its endorsement of this forum, demonstrates a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of individuals affected by cancer, recognising the significance of both medical and psychological dimensions in their journey towards healing.
He highlighted that the timing of the third session of the forum aligns with the observance of World Cancer Day, celebrated annually on 4 February. World Cancer Day serves as a united global initiative led by the International Union Against Cancer since 2000. Its purpose is to catalyse governmental, civil, and individual action, while also reviewing national and international efforts to combat cancer. The overarching goal is to save millions of lives affected by cancer and prevent further loss by enhancing awareness among individuals worldwide. Through initiatives like World Cancer Day, efforts are directed towards raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting proactive measures to combat this pervasive disease on a global scale.
Al-Bouzidi further emphasised the commitment of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States to enhance collaboration with the World Health Organisation in addressing non-communicable diseases. This commitment is manifested through the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the General Secretariat and the Regional Office in December 2009. Additionally, the decision issued by the third session of the Arab Economic and Social Council Development Summit in Riyadh in 2013, underscored the imperative to prioritise and give increased attention to issues related to non-communicable diseases. The decision acknowledged the significant challenge that non-communicable diseases pose to societal well-being and development efforts in Arab countries.
He noted that during the fourth session of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit held in Beirut in 2019, a significant step was taken with the adoption of the regional initiative for women's health in the Arab region, known as "the pink wallet." The initiative's primary objective is to enhance national capacities in the fight against breast cancer. This includes initiatives to train human resources, develop regional guidelines for providing primary health care, and encourage Arab nations to establish registration systems for breast cancer cases.
The establishment of these registration systems aims to create a comprehensive database, offering essential information to streamline access to cases, provide necessary healthcare, and sustain the monitoring process for individuals affected by breast cancer.
In his address on the occasion, His Excellency Dr. Adel Al-Adawi, former Minister of Health and Population of the Arab Republic of Egypt, underscored the crucial role played by Arab civil society institutions in delivering health services to cancer patients. He underscored their significant contributions in caring for individuals affected by cancer and providing essential psychological support. Dr. Al-Adawi urged for a strengthened coordination among Arab associations, stressing the importance of support for their activities and programs throughout the region.
Dr. Mohsen Mokhtar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Society for Supporting Cancer Patients, further clarified that the conference is designed to assess endeavours in the battle against the proliferation of cancer among the people of the Arab world. The primary objective is to evaluate awareness projects that contribute to diminishing the incidence of infections. Additionally, the conference seeks to strengthen collaborative Arab initiatives among civil society organisations dedicated to cancer control. The goal is to provide assistance in treatment and ensure the seamless continuity of care for individuals affected by cancer.
