Ministry of Health and Prevention partners with AstraZeneca to drive early lung cancer detection

Published Tuesday, 05 November 2024

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has signed a strategic agreement with AstraZeneca, the multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, to enhance lung cancer early detection programs across the country utilising the latest global technologies and practices. As part of the agreement, a digital lung health assessment platform will be launched, targeting high-risk groups, particularly individuals aged 50 and older who are current or former smokers.

The Ministry also announced that a national guide for the early detection of lung cancer is being developed in collaboration with the National Committee for the Prevention and Control of Cancer. This move is in line with the Ministry's end goal of promoting non-communicable disease prevention and creating a sustainable health infrastructure in the country.

Under the agreement, an integrated system for early lung cancer detection using artificial intelligence will be developed, alongside training medical staff on international best practices and implementing innovative awareness programs targeting high-risk groups. The agreement also includes updating initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of the disease. Additionally, a workshop will be held for local and international experts to explore the latest detection methods, provide insights on the burden of lung cancer on health systems in the GCC, and share experiences of patients who recovered due to early detection.

The agreement coincides with the global Lung Cancer Awareness Month and reflects the Ministry's commitment to improving national health indicators, positioning the UAE as a leader in adopting innovative health solutions, and supporting the World Health Organisation’s goal of reducing cancer mortality by 30% by 2030.

Interactive presentations and workshops

On this occasion, the Ministry, in collaboration with AstraZeneca and the Emirates Oncology Society, organised a series of specialised events over six days in Dubai to raise community awareness about the importance of early lung cancer detection. The events aimed to educate attendees on the symptoms of the disease and encourage regular screenings through risk assessment questionnaires, guiding participants to visit health facilities for early detection. Additionally, workshops were held featuring local and international experts, showcasing the latest technological innovations and artificial intelligence techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Global partnerships to fight the disease

H.E. Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, MoHAP, said: "Our strategic partnership with AstraZeneca aims to advance lung cancer early detection programs through artificial intelligence. This is part of our ongoing efforts to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to health challenges, driven by our wise leadership’s vision to build an integrated health system that ensures a healthy and fulfilling life for all members of society."

“The Ministry will continue to organise a series of specialized workshops to train medical staff in government and private health facilities on the latest international protocols for early lung cancer detection,” Al Rand stated, adding: “The UAE continues to maintain cancer rates below the global average.”

Dr. Al Rand emphasized that the Ministry is committed to keeping pace with scientific developments in cancer control and providing comprehensive, reliable information to both the community and health professionals. “We, at MoHAP, attach utmost attention to promoting scientific research, developing innovative health solutions, and building strategic partnerships with leading institutions, in line with the UAE's vision to deliver top-quality healthcare services and enhance the community's quality of life.”

Supporting MoHAP efforts

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca's Regional Director for the Gulf region stressed that the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention is a significant step forward in advancing national efforts to enhance healthcare services. He reiterated that AstraZeneca is committed to providing the latest technology and expertise to support early detection programs in the UAE.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with the highest mortality rates among both men and women. Smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. Primary prevention, including tobacco control measures and reducing exposure to environmental risk factors, can significantly reduce lung cancer rates and save lives.

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