Dear Colleagues,
We are thrilled to announce the 10th Annual Gulf Awareness Week for Cancer, scheduled to take place from February 1st to 7th, 2025. Marking a decade of impactful initiatives since its inception in 2016, this milestone event is a testament to the unwavering collaboration between the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control (GFFCC), and the Gulf Health Council. This year's awareness week proudly highlights the ongoing success of the "40x40" campaign, aiming to reduce cancer risks by 40% through increased awareness and achieve a 40% improvement in cure rates through early detection. As we celebrate this momentous 10th year, we call on individuals, communities, and organizations across the Gulf region to come together and amplify the reach and impact of local cancer association programs. The enduring partnership between governments, NGOs, charities, and the Gulf Health Council underscores our shared commitment to making a tangible difference in cancer prevention and early detection. Together, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and drive meaningful progress for the health and well-being of the Gulf region.
As part of the International Conference on the Scourge of Smoking and Conflicts of Interest, held in Kuwait on October 27-28, 2024, the conference committee issued a series of strategic recommendations. On the GCC level, the recommendations emphasized the establishment of national observatories to monitor tobacco industry activities, regular research aligned with WHO standards, and enhanced legislative frameworks addressing new tobacco products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The committee also advocated for stricter taxation policies, evidence-based advocacy programs targeting policymakers, and enhanced collaboration among NGOs, governments, and the Gulf Health Council to strengthen enforcement of anti-tobacco laws.
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On the Arab and regional levels, the recommendations highlighted the need for a unified Arab initiative involving governments, civil societies, and private sectors to combat smoking and mitigate its impacts. Priorities included conducting research on smoking's adverse effects on health and the environment, integrating anti-tobacco efforts into non-communicable disease programs, and addressing the economic burden of tobacco use. The committee also stressed the importance of transparency, urging policymakers to disclose any ties to tobacco companies and avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, enhancing the role of civil society in monitoring tobacco industry practices and including anti-tobacco measures in global non-communicable disease forums were underscored as critical actions to ensure accountability and sustained progress.
Best regards,
Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al Saleh
Editor-in-Chief
| Cancer News Around the Gulf and the Arab Region | ||
