Abu Dhabi: Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) and Emirates Health Services (EHS) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering efforts in cancer prevention, early detection, and providing both moral and financial support to patients throughout the UAE. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at EHS, and Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, establishing a framework to expand early detection programs and enhance support for patients.
According to Emirates News Agency, the renewed collaboration aims to align with the UAE’s national strategy to reduce cancer prevalence and impact. Dr. Essam Al Zarouni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, noted that the MoU exemplifies a progressive integration model among national sectors committed to achieving the country’s healthcare objectives. This partnership is in line with the goals of the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071.
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r. Lootah emphasized EHS’s dedication to expanding strategic partnerships with key community stakeholders, focusing on disease prevention and early detection, particularly in cancer care. EHS plans to continue raising public awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles through ongoing initiatives, aiming to improve early diagnosis and treatment as part of its comprehensive healthcare commitment.
Aisha Al Mulla expressed that the partnership with EHS marks a crucial advancement in their shared mission to enhance community awareness of cancer and strengthen patient support systems. The collaboration builds on a longstanding alliance, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts between non-profit and healthcare sectors in advancing early detection, improving prevention, and easing the challenges faced by patients and their families during treatment.
As part of the MoU, FOCP’s Patient Affairs Department will evaluate each cancer case to determine eligibility for financial assistance, following the organizat
ion’s established policies and procedures. Simultaneously, FOCP will offer moral support, recognizing its critical role in improving treatment outcomes and overall patient well-being.