The Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the Sharjah Medical District organized a walkathon at Corniche Khalid, Sharjah. The event drew the participation of 400 people from different age groups and was part of the series of activities for the 1st Gulf Cancer Awareness Week which was organized in collaboration with the GCC Health Ministers Executive Office. The pioneering Gulf Cancer Awareness Week was held under the slogan '40pc protection and 40pc healing' and aimed to unite media messages across GCC countries in conjunction with World Cancer Day celebrations.
The campaign aims to raise awareness on risk factors associated with cancer and encourage the public to consume healthy food and pursue a routine of physical activity. It also aims to educate the public on the importance of the early detection of cancer and as it greatly improves the chances of recovery. The program was implemented in collaboration with the Friends of Cancer Patients, Positive Cancer and Mouazara Association along with a number of government agencies in an effort to strengthen ties between public and private sectors and reinforce the organizations' social responsibility.
The walkathon commenced at the oasis of palm trees in front of the Al Nour Mosque and concluded at the Al Majaz waterfront. The event was led by Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Zarouni, Director of Sharjah Medical District, and Dr. Fadila Sharif, Director of Health Education and Promotion Department, MoH, along with representatives from several entities, including the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services; AlThiqah Club for Handicapped; the Red Crescent; the General Headquarters of Sharjah Police; Civil Defence; Police Academy; Emirates Transport; Emirates Scout Association – Sharjah; Bataeh Sports Club; Sharjah Education Council; and Zulekha Hospital.
Al Zarouni said that Gulf Cancer Awareness Week is part of the Ministry's strategic move to promote healthy lifestyles in the UAE, fight non-communicable diseases, and facilitate the early detection of cancer. He added that the walkathon is in line with active efforts to meet the goals of Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, which embodies the common vision to improve all aspects of the preventive and curative health services in order to help GCC countries reach the highest levels of public health. Al Zarouni emphasized the importance of the partnership and cooperation between government and private agencies along with relevant organizations to effectively combat this disease.
Dr. Fadila Sharif publicly commended the success of the campaign, noting that its diverse events effectively promoted the importance of awareness and early detection in helping reduce the spread of cancer. This will in turn reduce national and regional government spending in the healthcare sector, as a result of the effective development of a productive society with positive and sustainable health habits.
Dr. Fadila mentioned organizing cancer awareness campaigns in government departments, malls and parks to raise awareness on colon, breast and uterus cancer. The campaign includes a special exhibit, medical checkups, health competitions, dissemination of educational messages and videos through social media platforms.
Publish Date/Time 24-03-2016