Landmark Conference Brings Together Breast Cancer Advocates in the MENA Region

For three days, from October 31 - November 2, 2008, 136 participants from 15 countries came together for the first Middle East and North Africa Regional Breast Cancer Advocacy Conference: Building Bridges for Advocates Across the MENA Region.

Survivors participting in the conference

This landmark regional event was a unique opportunity for leaders in the women’s health and breast cancer awareness movement throughout the region to meet, share information, learn and explore ways to improve breast cancer awareness, detection and care for women in their local communities. Participants included advocates, grassroots leaders, doctors, nurses, government officials and academics.

Her Royal Highness Princess Dina of Jordan, addressing the crowd at the Opening Ceremony

Each day was launched by a plenary session focusing on a particular topic:

• Day 1: Breast Cancer - The Comparative MENA Experience
• Day 2: The Role of Research in Effective Outreach

Participants also engaged in various in-depth break-out sessions, including:

• Volunteerism in the MENA Region/Targeted Outreach
• Cause-Related Marketing and Private Sector Involvement
• Health Communications Strategies and Health Education
• Networking for Advocacy - Working Locally and Expanding Regionally

Each break-out session triggered discussions regarding the application of session topics to local needs and challenges in each individual country. As local contexts vary from country to country, interesting disparities arose between countries with different levels of financial and human resources. Discussions among countries with complementary strengths and weaknesses was of particular interest, and seemed to trigger opportunities for collaboration and further discussion.

Breast Cancer organizations set up informational stands which were displayed for the duration of the conference, and were highlighted during the Poster Session

In addition to the daily plenary and break-out sessions, participants engaged in activities offering opportunities to network with colleagues from around the region, and continue conversations initiated during the break-out sessions. In the end, participants left with new friends and ideas which they aim to cultivate and build upon in the year ahead.

Ms. Jamlah Ireqat poses a question to panelists during the Closing Session

In order to maintain the momentum created by the conference, participants are currently registering for the:

• Partnership Website - provides information about the Partnership, including activities, programs, news, resources, Founding Partner organizations, and various ways to get involved.
• Partnership Network - provides a platform for interaction between advocates, activists, and members of the medical community who are interested in promoting breast cancer awareness in the MENA region. This social-networking site allows members to create a profile, post pictures videos, share links, chat, participate in discussions, create groups and events, and generally build their professional network around the cause of breast cancer in the MENA region.
  

For more information, please visit and register for our website, and join our network!