Ibtihal Fadhil, Founder and Chair of Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Pleased to share my statement about Cairo Call on breast cancer in the lancet
՛Following the endorsement, civil society leaders are urging governments to turn political commitments into tangible action that reaches women in their communities. Dr Ibtihal Fadhil, Founder and Chairperson of the Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance, said the Cairo Call to Action offers ՛a pivotal opportunity՛ to close long-standing gaps in cancer care, but warned that declarations alone are not enough.
՛This is the moment to move from commitment to implementation՛, she told The Lancet Oncology. ՛The Cairo Call has created momentum, but what happens after the event is what really matters. Women across the region need to see real change in the way breast cancer is prevented, detected and treated.՛
Fadhil said breast cancer should not be addressed in isolation, but integrated into wider strategies on non-communicable diseases. ՛We cannot address breast cancer as a separate island՛, she said. ՛We need to strengthen the health system in ways that support prevention, early detection and treatment of all non-communicable diseases. When we do that, breast cancer outcomes improve too.՛
She emphasised the importance of a broader women’s health strategy that includes human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer elimination. Several countries in the region, including Oman, Tunisia, Jordan, and Pakistan, have recently introduced HPV vaccination programmes. ՛It’s a breakthrough moment for the region՛, Fadhil said. ՛This shows that when governments, civil society, and international partners work together, real progress is possible.’ However, she cautioned that progress remains uneven. Many countries still do not have strong cancer registries, updated surveillance systems, and predictable funding. ՛Without data, we can’t hold anyone accountable. Without investment, commitments won’t translate into services՛, she said.
Fadhil added that civil society will be vital in keeping the momentum alive. ՛Governments come and go, but communities remain. Civil society is here to make sure this call is not forgotten after the headlines fade. We will be watching, supporting and pushing for delivery՛, she told The Lancet Oncology.”
Title: Eastern Mediterranean Region backs Cairo Call on breast cancer
Authors: Paul Adepoju
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