Written by Zayed Al Zyoud
Edited by Suha Alsubaih
Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, launched the Arab Cancer Control Initiative, a collaborative step forward for regional cancer policy, research, and care.
The launching event, organised at the Grand Hyatt Amman by the University of Jordan (UJ), represented by the Cell Therapy Center, Global Health Catalyst Program, and The Lancet Oncology journal, was attended by UJ president Prof. Nathir Obeidat and several university officials, and gathered prominent cancer researchers, health policymakers, and medical professionals from all over the Middle East.
In her speech, Her Royal Highness emphasised the transformative potential of regional solidarity in the fight against cancer, explaining that the Arab Cancer Control Initiative is not simply a medical or academic project, but a reflection of a deeper commitment to regional unity and human dignity.
“When Arab scientists and clinicians unite, we move beyond borders and toward progress,” Princess Ghida stated. “This initiative reflects a shared responsibility to ensure that every cancer patient in the Arab world receives the highest standard of care, regardless of geography or background. It is about translating our collective expertise into action, and our compassion into sustainable systems.”
Princess Ghida also highlighted the importance of long-term planning, evidence-based health strategies, and data sharing as foundations for building stronger, more resilient healthcare systems. She praised the Jordanian institutions, especially the University of Jordan and the King Hussein Cancer Center, for their leadership, and extended special appreciation to The Lancet for focusing global attention on innovative Arab research and policy-making.
At the heart of the event was the unveiling of The Lancet Oncology Middle East Series, a set of comprehensive policy papers authored by experts from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with additional contributions from Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria. The series sheds light on critical areas such as refugee cancer care, rebuilding oncology services in conflict-affected areas, pediatric cancer, and the psychological well-being of patients.
Prof. David Collingridge, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Oncology, described the launch as a turning point for the region’s place in global oncology. “This is more than a scholarly publication. It is a powerful statement that the Middle East is now part of the global conversation on cancer control. These papers reflect a deep well of expertise, courage, and collaboration across Arab institutions,” he said.
One of the major milestones announced was the completion of Jordan’s first national cancer policy paper. This achievement was the result of extensive coordination between the University of Jordan, the Ministry of Health, the Jordan Center for Disease Control, the Royal Medical Services, and the King Hussein Cancer Center.
Prof. Abdalla Awidi, Chair of the Initiative’s Steering Committee and Director of the Cell Therapy Center, emphasised the regional reach and future ambitions of the initiative. “From Amman to Riyadh, from Doha to Baghdad, this initiative speaks with one voice. It is about designing sustainable solutions built on regional knowledge, trust, and long-standing partnerships,” he said.
Prof. Awidi also emphasized the importance of regional volunteer efforts to foster cross-border collaboration in cancer care. He highlighted public awareness campaigns and the need to unify cancer treatment protocols. He acknowledged the support of Prof. Nathir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, in laying the academic foundation for this initiative.
Pediatric oncology was a central theme in the discussions held during the event, as speakers addressed the urgent need for improved cancer care for children in the region. Dean of Scientific Research at the University of Jordan, Prof. Yasser Rayan, highlighted the increasing incidence of childhood cancers and called for the development of robust national cancer registries and early detection systems. “Children’s health must be at the heart of our planning. The future of our region depends on the health of our youngest generation,” he stated.
The event also witnessed the launch of new research papers on pediatric cancer care in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and E-Clinical Medicine. These publications underscore the region’s growing investment in child health, mental well-being, and advanced diagnostic technologies.
Panel discussions further explored critical topics, including cancer care in refugee camps, the role of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, and the long-term impact of conflict and displacement on oncology services.
In closing remarks, Prof. Collingridge reflected on the broader implications of the initiative. “This collaboration shows what is possible when science is matched with vision and courage. Let it be a foundation for future progress in cancer care across the region.”
Echoing this vision, Prof. Awidi added, “Arab institutions can now speak with one voice backed by shared research, data systems, and a common commitment to equity in care.”
Organisers concluded by announcing that the initiative’s steering committee would meet annually to assess progress, revise cancer policy frameworks, and explore new joint research and training opportunities. With this momentum, the Arab Cancer Control Initiative sets a powerful precedent for how regional cooperation can reshape the future of healthcare in the Arab world, anchored in scientific excellence and unified purpose.