The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organized a workshop on the second phase of the Gulf Training Programme to improve the quality of early cancer detection, in collaboration with the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (GCDC) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Representatives from national health authorities have participated in the workshop, which aimed to enhance national coordination, integrate efforts in the field of preventive health, and align with approved Gulf and global health indicators.

The workshop was attended by Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at the Ministry; Dr. Buthaina bin Blaila, Head of the Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Section at the Ministry; as well as representatives from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Health Services, and the Dubai Health Authority.

Gulf Health Coordination

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi emphasized that organizing the workshop comes within the framework of Gulf cooperation in combating cancer and as a continuation of the national efforts to fight the disease.

It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing the early detection system which positively contributes to reducing mortality rates, increasing participation in routine screenings, and improving recovery prospects through early diagnosis.

These efforts, Al Marzouqi added, align with the national health sector strategy and adhere to the standards of the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The workshop outlined the key achievements accomplished by the UAE over the past two years, including the implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. (25) of 2025 to establish multidisciplinary medical committees for cancer case evaluation, an initiative that promotes the application of global best practices in treatment planning and patient care.

It has also covered the development of the National Cancer Registry and the enhancement of health data quality, establishing it as a national reference for planning and decision-making.

Additionally, the workshop discussed the expansion of early detection programmes to include lung cancer, alongside initiatives to build the capacity of healthcare professionals in this area.

It has underscored the rapid growth of cancer-related medical research as well, reflecting the UAE’s advanced scientific standing, and the implementation of national awareness campaigns to increase public participation in preventive screening.

Specialized Presentations

Representatives from the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have delivered a joint presentation providing feedback on the Gulf Training Programme to Enhance the quality of early cancer detection, as part of the second phase of trainee training in the UAE. They emphasized the importance of continuous evaluation to improve the quality of national programmes.

The sessions featured specialized presentations from the Ministry of Health and Prevention and various health authorities, including Dr. Budoor Al Shehhi, Project Lead Cancer Prevention Program at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Dr. Shamsa Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at the Emirates Health Services; Dr Jawaher Almulla, Coordinator of cancer screening program at the Dubai Health Authority, and Dr. Huda Al Abdouli, Coordinator of National Screening Programme at the Ministry of Health and Prevention

The workshop has concluded with remarks by Dr. Buthaina bin Blaila, Head of the Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Section at the Ministry, who summarized the key points and recommendations.

Graduation Ceremony

The workshop has also featured a graduation ceremony for participants of the second phase of the Gulf Training Programme, who represent a kind of bonus to the national efforts in building specialized competencies capable of advancing and expanding early detection programmes in line with the highest international standards.

The workshop has concluded by emphasizing the importance of institutional integration and national collaboration to achieve strategic health objectives and enhance the quality of life across the UAE community.

It is worth noting that the Gulf training program to improve the quality of early cancer detection was launched in 2024 and was set to run for three years under the supervision of the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, being part of the World Health Organization.

The programme aims to improve the quality of early cancer detection initiatives. The first phase, held in Saudi Arabia in 2024, graduated three trainees, whereas the second phase, hosted in the UAE, celebrated the graduation of 34 participants.