Beirut: The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and AstraZeneca have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a national initiative focused on enhancing the prevention, early detection, and care of lung cancer in Lebanon. This initiative aligns with the National Cancer Plan 2023-2028 and aims to improve health outcomes by reducing the burden of lung cancer through prevention and awareness efforts.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the partnership will ensure equitable access to testing, diagnosis, treatment, and information for patients across Lebanon. The memorandum emphasizes scientific and technological cooperation, supporting national awareness campaigns, capacity building for healthcare professionals, and promoting data gathering to inform planning and decision-making.
His Excellency Dr. Rakan Nasreddine, Lebanon's Minister of Public Health, highlighted AstraZeneca's role as a partner in supporting national lung cancer programs. He noted that the collaboration would strengthen the healthcare system's capacity to combat lung cancer within a transparent framework aligned with national policies.
Rami Scandar, AstraZeneca Country President for the Near East and Maghreb region, expressed honor in collaborating with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. He emphasized the partnership's foundation on scientific innovation and health equity, aiming to provide equitable access to early diagnosis and modern treatments for patients across Lebanon.
Dr. Arafat Tfayli, president of the committee implementing the national cancer prevention plan, pointed out the high incidence of lung cancer in Lebanon, particularly among females, and attributed the rise to smoking, air pollution, and secondhand smoke exposure. Lung cancer accounts for over 9% of new cancer cases in Lebanon, second only to breast cancer.
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the scope of cooperation, including supporting national awareness campaigns, developing campaign assets, enhancing diagnostic capacity, and collaborating on evidence generation for healthcare planning. Implementation mechanisms and performance indicators will be defined in detailed agreements, ensuring compliance with laws and standards.