GENEVA: As part of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)’s participation in the recently concluded World Cancer Congress, held from 17th to 19th September in Geneva, Switzerland, the UAE-based organisation, dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families, presented three impactful abstracts to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). These highlighted the non-profit’s significant contributions in raising cancer awareness, advocating for early detection, and providing financial and emotional support to patients, while showcasing its strategic efforts in community engagement and sustainable fundraising.
The FOCP delegation at the event was led by Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP; Rashid Al Ameeri, Head of Corporate Communications, who presented the abstract ‘Zakat and Fundraising for Cancer Patient Care’; Badr Qasem Al Jaaidi, Programme Manager, who presented the abstract ‘Community Fundraising for 24 Hours – Relay for Life Walkathon’; and Jamila Ibrahim, Pink Caravan Mobile Clinic Executive,
who presented the abstract ‘A Touching Success Story: The Pink Caravan’s Fundraising Efforts’.
Since its launch in 2013, the Zakat campaign has raised approximately AED21.8 million, supporting 2,190 cancer patients. Last year alone, it raised AED4.7 million.
The second abstract detailed FOCP’s successful experience with the global “Relay for Life” initiative, which has been held in Sharjah since 2017. To date, the event has attracted more than 9,000 participants and raised over AED6 million to support cancer patients, with assistance from over 1,000 volunteers.
The final abstract outlined the results and social impact of the Pink Caravan initiative, part of the Pink October campaign. The medical team’s outreach during the campaign included 3,679 free screenings and the distribution of 175 vouchers for ultrasounds and 543 for mammograms. The initiative also engaged various social groups through hundreds of awareness events across the UAE, offering free breast cancer screenings, organising Corporate Wellness
Day at institutions, and delivering awareness lectures.
The Pink Caravan was supported by 193 volunteers, contributing 1,530 volunteer hours, alongside 8,060 hours from the medical team. In 2023, the initiative raised AED2.6 million through 411 events across the UAE, positively impacting patients, their families, and the broader community.
During the conference, FOCP engaged in strategic discussions with the American Cancer Society, the Global Relay for Life team, and international organisations working in cancer care. The meetings focused on future partnerships, strategies for cancer prevention, collaboration in research and early detection, and advancements in diagnostic medicine. They also addressed ways to reduce disparities in patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance survival rates. FOCP representatives also participated in workshops throughout the conference.
Al Mulla said, “The conference provided a crucial platform to share our expertise and broaden the global impact of our initiatives
. It strengthens strategic partnerships with international organisations, drives innovation and sustainability in cancer patient support, and ensures we stay at the forefront of advancements in cancer research, prevention, and treatment, as well as global strategies for cancer control.”
Source: Emirates News Agency