🎗 World Cancer Day Commemoration – Puntland State

 

Date: 4 February 2025

Location: Garowe, Puntland

 

Event Summary

 

The Puntland Non-Communicable Disease Alliance (PNCDA) joined the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Population Services International (PSI), private hospitals, and academic institutions, to commemorate World Cancer Day 2025. The event brought together health professionals, policymakers, students, and community representatives under the global theme of “Close the Care Gap” — raising awareness about the increasing cancer burden and promoting prevention, early detection, and improved treatment services across Puntland.

 

The commemoration was officially opened by Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Hidig, who highlighted the global and local cancer crisis, noting that cancer claims nearly 10 million lives every year. He emphasized that awareness, early diagnosis, and stronger health infrastructure are key to combating cancer in Puntland and expressed gratitude to the NCD Unit Team, PNCDA, Shaafi Health Institute, and PSI for their continued collaboration.

 

Representing PNCDA, Mr. Shuayb Ahmed Mohamed, NCD Unit Manager at the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of sustained cancer advocacy and community awareness. He called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, private hospitals, and NGOs to enhance cancer prevention and treatment services in the state.

 

Other key speakers included Dr. Mohamed Bashiir (PSI), who highlighted that nearly 50% of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle modification and early screening, and Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Caydiid, a pathologist who emphasized the urgent need for a cancer diagnostic center in Garowe. Presentations from Qaran Hospital and Siha Hospital reinforced the growing cancer burden and the importance of HPV vaccination, early screening, and mental health support for patients.

 

Students from Shaafi Health Science College, represented by Ms. Faisa Ahmed, inspired attendees by emphasizing youth engagement in cancer advocacy and the use of digital platforms for health education.

 

Key Outcomes and Takeaways

•Increased public and professional awareness of the rising cancer burden in Puntland.

•Strong advocacy for early screening, HPV vaccination, and diagnostic center establishment in Garowe.

•Renewed commitment to public-private partnerships for cancer care improvement.

•Recognition of youth and academic institutions as vital drivers of cancer awareness.

•Consensus on expanding community and social media outreach to combat misinformation and stigma.

 

PNCDA’s Role

•Partnered with the Ministry of Health to coordinate and support the event.

•Advocated for cancer prevention and early detection through awareness and education.

•Promoted collaboration between government, private, and academic institutions.

•Strengthened its role as a leading civil society platform advancing NCD and cancer care in Puntland.