MoU boosts breast cancer awareness

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and Pink Ribbon Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on raising awareness about breast cancer in educational institutions across the country.

Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Breast Cancer in the whole of Asia with over 10 million women at risk of Breast Cancer while more than 40,000 women die from this disease every year in Pakistan. The situation presents an alarming picture with a dire need to create mass awareness of breast cancer.

HEC and Pink Ribbon Pakistan will celebrate the whole month of October, which is marked as 'PINKtober,' to create awareness of the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer across the country.

An awareness campaign will be launched to educate university students on Breast Cancer. A wide range of awareness activities will be conducted in educational institutes as part of the campaign to mobilize the youth and help them become the torchbearers to spread the word in society. HEC aspires to save every mother, sister, wife and daughter in Pakistan from the havoc of Breast Cancer and urges everyone to play their role in the fight against this deadly disease.

The signing ceremony was held at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director of the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) and Omer Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan signed the agreement. Professor Ziaul Qayyum, Executive Director of HEC graced the occasion as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Qayyum said, "We believe that by engaging educational institutions, we can significantly reduce the stigma associated with this disease and promote a culture of awareness and prevention."

Noor Malik emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating that cases of breast cancer are increasing in the country, and it is essential for our higher education sector to play an active role in promoting awareness.