Oasis Cancer Hospital host
Successful Cancer Awareness
Program in Mogadishu
Oasis Cancer Hospital have on Friday, August 17, 2024, a program in Mogadishu named, Cancer Awareness for the Somali Community. This event was attended by leaders, doctors, experts with in-depth knowledge of cancer, and other organizations who provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia.
The program focused on discussing the signs, causes, and preventive measures of cancer, aiming to provide the Somali community with a comprehensive understanding of this dangerous disease.
The program featured a panel discussion with experts well-versed in cancer and its societal impacts. This discussion centered on understanding the disease, the challenges related to its detection and treatment, and the steps that can be taken to reduce its risk to the community. Other topics discussed by the experts included the role of pathology in cancer diagnosis and its impact on management, as well as the crucial role of internal medicine in early diagnosis.
Oasis Cancer Hospital, which facilitated, funded and played a significant role in organizing the event, is a new hospital designed to assist the Somali community in raising awareness, understanding, and addressing cancer. Although it is not yet fully operational, it is being equipped with the latest technology in preparation for its opening. Dr. Abdirahim Mohamed Ali, the Founder and CEO of Oasis Cancer Hospital, shared the motivations that led him to return from London, UK, to establish this hospital.
“I was driven to open this hospital when I saw the alarming number of Somalis affected by this disease. One of the painful aspects is that most of these individuals seek health care only after the disease has reached a very advanced stage, which reduces their chances of recovery. We opened this hospital to help mitigate these challenges if it cannot completely resolve them.”
Dr. Abdirahim further explained that their goal is to alleviate the burden of cancer among the Somali people. They aim to achieve this by conducting awareness campaigns and offering the latest tools and advanced technologies for screenings and treatment. “Our people, who are predominantly poor, are traveling from various regions of the country. Life is already challenging for them, and now they are being asked to pay tens of thousands of dollars for medical care abroad. We aim to alleviate this burden by offering awareness programs, modern screenings, and treatment.”
The event also recognized the importance of community involvement and the role of traditional practices in healthcare.
During the program, various community leaders emphasized the need for collaboration between modern medical practices and traditional beliefs in addressing health challenges faced by Somalis. They proposed the establishment of support groups that would not only provide information about cancer but also offer emotional and psychological
support to those affected by the disease. This holistic approach seeks to empower individuals and families by creating a network of support that respects cultural beliefs while promoting scientific understanding of cancer prevention and treatment.
Additionally, plans for future workshops and outreach initiatives were announced, aiming to extend the knowledge gained in this program to remote areas of Somalia, where access to health education and resources is limited. Ultimately, initiatives like this aim to build resilience within communities, foster a culture of health awareness, and encourage early detection practices that could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients
Cancer poses a significant threat to public health in Somalia, impacting thousands of lives and contributing to the overall disease burden in the country. Recent studies indicate that cancer cases in Somalia are on the rise, with an estimated 10,000 new cases reported annually. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are particularly prevalent among women, while men are often affected by liver and prostate cancers. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive measures within the community.The increasing incidence of cancer in Somalia underscores the need for greater awareness, advocacy, and local solutions to combat this public health crisis.
