A public awareness session on cancer, held under the slogan “Let Us Unite for a Common Goal,” was organized by the Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
The session was attended by Mawlawi Abdul Wali Haqqani, Deputy Minister for Health Service; Dr. Mohammad Hassan Ghiasy, Deputy Minister for Policy and Health Promotion; central directors of the Ministry of Public Health; representatives of international partner organizations; and members of the media.
Mawlawi Abdul Wali Haqqani emphasized that efforts to expand specialized cancer services, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the provision of standard healthcare services, are ongoing. Referring to World Cancer Day, he highlighted the critical role of public awareness in preventing cancer and stressed that combating the disease is a shared responsibility of both the government and the public.
Dr. Mohammad Hassan Ghiasy stated that cancer is one of the major challenges facing public health in the 21st century, with millions of new cases diagnosed globally each year. He added that cancer is not only a medical issue but also a significant economic burden, noting that sustained efforts by the Ministry have led to considerable progress in this area.
Dr. Mohammad Dawood Mirakai, Public Awareness Officer of the National Cancer Control Program, noted that unhealthy diets, drug use, and the consequences of prolonged conflict are among the main factors contributing to cancer. He stated that millions of people worldwide are affected by the disease each year, resulting in a high number of deaths.
During the session, Sheikh Mohammad Taher Haleem, Chief of Staff of MoPH; Dr. Nisar Ahmad Niazi, Director General of Speciality Program; and Dr. Wahdat Alokozai, Director General of Curative Medicine, described cancer as a curable disease and delivered comprehensive remarks on the country’s capacity for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, Dr. Mohammad Shafiq Amin, Head of the National Cancer Program, emphasized that cancer poses a serious threat to human life and that its prevention requires strong and collective efforts from all members of society.
Meanwhile, Dr Manuel De Lara, Representative of the World Health Organization, stated that cancer is not only a health issue but also a major barrier to development. He noted that WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, is working to procure radiotherapy machines to ensure effective and standardized health services and to improve timely access to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
