Afghanistan Cancer Foundation inaugurated in Kabul

KABUL (Pajhwok): A foundation for the treatment, prevention and timely diagnosis of cancers has been inaugurated in Kabul, the Presidential Palace said on Thursday.

The Afghanistan Cancer Foundation (ACF) was set up as a result of efforts by First Lady Rula Ghani with support from doctors, private and governmental institutions.

President Ashraf Ghani, addressing the inaugural ceremony for the foundation, thanked his spouse, institutions and those who played key role in the creation of the facility.

He directed the Ministry of Finance to attract foreign allies’ cooperation for the hospital, which he hailed as a major stride in the public health sector.

The first lady said: “It is very important to me that women suffering from breast and womb cancers are treated at this foundation. Establishment of such centers is necessary because people could be easily treated with in their own country.”

She urged people to stand united in providing assistance and donations to the foundation in its fight against cancer. Such initiatives could save thousands of lives, she believed.

Eklil Hakimi, the finance minister, announced support for the ACF Fund. He said the government would donate $150 million to the fund.

International donors and charitable societies had been requested to provide as much facilities as possible to cancer patients treated at the foundation, the minister added.

Dr. Ferozuddin Feroz, minister of public health, promised a new hospital for cancer treatment would be established soon. The Ministry of Public Health had a specific strategy for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer, he said.

Fawzia Alam, advisor to Rula Ghani said: “Our objective is not only treatment but also preventive healthcare and early diagnosis of cancer.”

“The Oncology OPD at Jamhooriat Hospital has been activated with support from the Ministry of Public Health. Cancer patients, who had to go every three weeks to neighbouring countries for chemotherapy, are currently under treatment in the newly established section.”

According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, nearly 20,000 cancer cases are recorded every year in Afghanistan. Patients are bound to travel out of the country for cancer treatment.

sns/mud