KUWAIT CITY, Feb 2:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Sunday that the cooperation between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during the Gulf Cancer Awareness Week represents a positive example of joint efforts, bringing together both governmental and non-governmental initiatives to support health and preventive development.

Dr. Al-Awadhi made these comments in a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Nadia Al-Juma, the Assistant Undersecretary for Health Care Affairs at the Ministry of Health, during the opening ceremony of the 10th Gulf Cancer Awareness Week. The event is being held under the theme, "Your Health in Your Awareness."

He noted that the continuation of the Gulf Cancer Awareness Week reflects the progress and development achieved in this area. Dr. Al-Awadhi also highlighted the establishment of the Gulf Union for Cancer Control in 2002, which brought together Gulf civil societies working in the cancer field. The union has implemented many joint programs and initiatives that have had a positive impact at both the regional and international levels.

This success, he said, is due to fruitful cooperation with the Gulf Health Council, which has supported these joint efforts aimed at promoting public health. Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s strategy and in close cooperation with the Gulf Health Council, the focus has been on achieving two key objectives: raising awareness among Gulf citizens about cancer risk factors and highlighting the importance of early detection. The goal is to encourage the public to recognize early signs of cancer, which in turn helps increase recovery rates.

He also pointed to the formation of a coordinating committee in Kuwait, which includes relevant bodies and associations, to implement awareness activities during this week. The initiative is being carried out with the active participation of cancer survivors and volunteers, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and solidarity.

Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Campaign for Cancer Prevention (CAN), spoke next and emphasized that Gulf Cancer Awareness Week has achieved noble goals since its inception. He noted that the week has played a key role in changing public perceptions of cancer, transforming it from a feared disease to one that is viewed as a chronic condition. This shift in understanding has been critical in reeducating society about cancer.

Dr. Al-Saleh further noted the involvement of 20 Gulf associations working in cancer awareness, treatment, and psychological support under the umbrella of the Gulf Union for Cancer Control. These associations have carried out more than 2,200 activities since the launch of Gulf Cancer Awareness Week across all GCC countries.

Sheikha Azza Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, founder and chairperson of the Sidra Association for Psychological Care for Cancer Patients, expressed that the celebration of this week aligns with the union’s objectives of combating and preventing cancer across GCC countries. She emphasized that Sidra is the first non-profit public benefit association within the GCC to provide psychological and moral support to cancer patients and their caregivers, which helps improve their mental health and enhances their response to treatment.

Dr. Hessa Al-Shaheen, head of the coordinating committee for the 10th Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, concluded the speeches by sharing that this year’s events are carrying multiple messages aimed at supporting the groups in need, offering positive influence, and providing psychological support. She noted that the week features more than 72 activities, including scientific, social, sports, artistic, craft, and entertainment events targeting all segments of society. Additionally, messages, posts, and videos are being shared to further raise awareness.