MoHAP and AstraZeneca Partner to Enhance Lung Cancer Detection in UAE

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has entered a strategic agreement with AstraZeneca to bolster lung cancer early detection programs, targeting high-risk groups with advanced technology and practices.

The partnership, announced during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, aims to position the UAE as a regional leader in cancer prevention and health innovation.

Under the agreement, a digital lung health assessment platform will be introduced, focusing on individuals aged 50 and older, particularly current or former smokers. The initiative includes developing an integrated AI-based system for early lung cancer detection, alongside comprehensive training for medical staff on global best practices. A national guide for lung cancer detection is also in development in collaboration with the National Committee for the Prevention and Control of Cancer.

To reinforce this initiative, MoHAP organized a series of six-day events in Dubai with AstraZeneca and the Emirates Oncology Society, raising awareness about lung cancer symptoms and the importance of regular screenings. The events featured workshops with local and international experts, highlighting cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and artificial intelligence in early detection and treatment.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, MoHAP’s Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, emphasized that the partnership supports WHO’s goal of reducing cancer mortality by 30% by 2030.

“This partnership with AstraZeneca advances our goal of sustainable health solutions, guided by our leadership’s vision for a robust health system ensuring a healthy life for all,”

he stated.

With lung cancer remaining the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, primarily due to smoking, MoHAP’s initiatives are vital in reducing the disease’s impact and promoting public health in the UAE.

News Source: Emirates News Agency