Social Services Department of Hamad General Hospital in collaboration with Qatar Football Association, recently organised a celebration for child cancer patients to mark World Cancer Day.
During the celebration, attended by the children and their families, the visitors were invited to participate in different competitions and games and were awarded prizes at the end of the events.
World Cancer Day 2015, held on 4 February under the theme: ‘Not beyond us’, provided an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the fact that there is much that can be done at individual, community and governmental level, through taking a positive and proactive approach against cancer. The day also highlighted solutions that exist across the cancer continuum that are within our reach.
The Social Service Department is involved in raising awareness among families of patients about the relevance of detecting cancer early, as this has been proven to contribute towards a higher recovery rate.
The department  is also keen to reiterate the valuable role of civil service institutions in engaging with and educating communities. Organisations such as the New York-based Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the Qatar Football Association are important contributors and supporters in the global fight against cancer.
Hanim Mohamed Numan, head of Social Services at HMC, said the corporation is committed to providing the safest, most effective and most compassionate care for patients. Children with cancer and their families need a holistic approach to care that ensures complete support, including psychological, social and financial, throughout their treatment.
Ahmed al-Kuwari, a Qatar Football Association official, received an appreciation gift and certificate for the association’s participation and support in the success of the event.