Sharjah: A total of 15, 173 people, both nationals and expatriates living in the UAE, have so far benefited from free early detection screenings and awareness lectures offered by the Pink Caravan as part of a nationwide cancer awareness campaign since it was launched in 2011.
According to Pink Caravan’s Medical and Awareness Committee, Dubai came first in terms of the number of screened people, followed by the emirate of Sharjah and then Abu Dhabi. A total of 4,804 people were screened in Dubai and 3,807 people in Sharjah, while 2,033 people were screened in Abu Dhabi, 1,551 people in Ajman, 1, 367 in Ras Al Khaimah, 1, 210 in Fujairah and finally 401 people in Umm Al Quwain.
Ameera BinKaram, FOCP President and Founding Member, highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the Pink Caravan campaign- an initiative launched by H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed AI-Qasimi Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs Founder and Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients She stressed that the campaign gained a great response thanks to the immense official and public support for its noble message and goals across the emirates. Speaking proudly, Bin Karam, said: “The campaign, a unique initiative, also received a great media attention that went beyond the country’s regional geographic borders.” She noted: “The UAE has always been making considerable enormous efforts to raise health awareness among Emirati citizens and expatriates, and spares no effort to make the country free from diseases that pose a threat to the health of society.
The UAE generally participates, hosts and supports various international, regional and local initiatives that are in line with its strategic goals and which highlight its leading role in honouring human values and upgrading its society’s health and intellect.” The Pink Caravan campaign received great support and cooperation from many government and private bodies, including the Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority. In addition, great support and cooperation demonstrated by TaHospital in Al Ain, Canadian Specialized Hospital in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah Private Hospital, the Medicare Medical Centre, the UAE Genetic Diseases Association and Sharjah University.
The Pink Caravan kicked off from Sharjah and wrapped up its 10-day journey in Abu Dhabi after marking more than 330 kilometers on horseback. More than 100 riders – both men and women – took part in the nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign.
The Pink Caravan stopped at different sites throughout its journey across the emirates, offering free early detection screenings for both Emiratis and expatriates of various nationalities living in the UAE at mobile medical clinics, schools and shopping malls where Lectures and presentations were also delivered.
The three- year nationwide campaign, which was launched in April 2011, will run through until 2014, in order to achieve its humanitarian goals and to further increase the number of people benefiting from its free medical exams and awareness lectures.