WAM SHARJAH, June 16th, 2013 (WAM) — The Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the world’s largest cancer-fighting organization, has named H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as the official International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration and the first World Cancer Declaration International Ambassador for Pediatric Cancer in the world.
The honour comes in recognition of Her Highness’ outstanding efforts at both the local and international level and her significant contribution towards cancer control, which includes the launch of initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the risk and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early detection, and providing the best methods of treatment and care for patients as well as care for their families. H.H. Sheikha Jawaher is Patron of FoCP, Friends of Cancer Patients, and President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs Sheikha Jawaher is the first Ambassador for Childhood Cancer in the world, and the second Arab Ambassador to be chosen by the UICC for World Cancer Declaration following the selection of H.R.H. Princess Dina Mired, Director-General of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF). The UICC works closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) in its global efforts to eradicate cancer. The body also has a consultative status with the United Nations’ (UN) Economic and Social Council.
According to a press release issued by FoCP, Friends of Cancer Patients, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi considered her selection as an honour and a greater responsibility towards the international community in general, and children, in particular. She laid emphasis on exerting utmost efforts to convey the message of the UICC to every part of the world and to contribute fully in raising public awareness about cancer, and the importance of fighting it through awareness campaigns as well as scientific research and the development of treatment centers. She highly appreciated the support extended by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in the efforts to spread awareness of cancer – a disease which has become a challenge to humanity, more so due to its high worldwide incidence in recent years.
She emphasised that cancer research requires intensive and collective official, scientific and financial aid, along with social efforts to root out the disease in its entirety. She called for supporting humanitarian and national efforts made by cancer organisations all over the world, and said, "This malignant disease poses a vicious risk to the individual as well as the community, in addition to the high cost of medication and treatment which patients may face. This requires involvement and contribution from individuals and institutions, as cancer is no longer a personal problem. The rising rate of cancer incidence makes it a public issue that requires shared responsibility among all to fight and control this malice as much as possible." She expressed pride in the achievements of the Friends of Cancer Patients in a span of few years. The charity was able to achieve a series of milestones on the local and regional levels. She highlighted the importance of early detection and regular checkups which help increase chances of recovery. She expressed hope to see collaborations among healthcare, social and media institutions in the effort to spread the necessary awareness.
Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, congratulated H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for joining the UICC World Cancer Declaration Ambassadors Programme to help fight against cancer, particularly childhood cancers, which threaten the lives of younger generations. He said that the UICC is looking forward to seeing Her Highness advocate their efforts on local and international levels, and support the World Cancer Declaration and the UICC vision and mission.
As part of his congratulatory announcement, Adams said, "Sheikha Jawaher’s selection as an Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration reflects the international recognition of her initiatives which resulted in raising awareness of cancer while supporting patients. She has made huge achievements in this regard mainly the launch of the Friends of Cancer Patients in 1999 with a vision to deliver the best charity service to society. Over the past 30 years, Her Highness has played a pivotal role in social development of the Emirate of Sharjah by paying special attention to the welfare of family and children and exerting continuous efforts to develop and grow the community as well as to maintain its values and principles" WAM/AM/CM
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