Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC June 12, 2006
U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and ResearchThe U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research - organized by the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and the Middle East Partnership Initiative - will unite the Susan G. Komen Foundation with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Together, these partners will collaborate to develop awareness campaigns suited to each country; they'll increase research, training and community outreach efforts; and help women build the knowledge and the confidence they need to be in charge of their own health. The partnership was announced by First Lady Laura Bush at the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Mission Conference on Monday, June 12, 2006.
Over the next six months, the collaboration will convene medical roundtables and training workshops on awareness-building and community outreach in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Delegations from the two Middle Eastern countries also will participate in training sessions at leading medical research institutions in the United States, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. An estimated 4.4 million women are alive today in whom breast cancer was diagnosed within the last fifteen years. While countries in the Middle East are working to heighten awareness and to provide better screening and treatment for breast cancer, this partnership represents the first collaborative effort to assist the region in eradicating the disease.
This is the first major regional women’s health campaign, and the United States is proud to be a part of it. By confronting the challenge of breast cancer together, this partnership represents the best kind of public diplomacy.
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Released on June 12, 2006
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