IAU Launches the Awareness Initiative (Ribbon of Hope)

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Coinciding with the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University today launched its awareness campaign for early detection of breast cancer under the theme "Ribbon of Hope." The initiative was inaugurated by the acting president of the university, Prof. Fahad Al-Harbi. The campaign aims to reduce breast cancer incidence and mortality rates through community awareness and early detection. It also seeks to facilitate access to quality healthcare and empower women with the knowledge and resources needed to enhance breast health. Additionally, the initiative works to build and strengthen partnerships to ensure equitable access to healthcare for targeted groups, including the Eastern Province community and university campuses in Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran, and Jubail.

Prof. Fahad Al-Harbi highlighted that the efforts exerted through the (Ribbon of Hope) initiative reflect the university’s ongoing contribution to raising awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. This issue remains a significant global health priority and is a primary concern for the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. The initiative focuses on tracking cancer incidence rates and their geographical distribution across regions, raising preventative awareness within the community, particularly among women, and providing modern diagnostic and treatment technologies. This global health event, which the university engages with annually, is ranked as one of the top health occasions, offering a range of diverse awareness programs. It aims to guide academic, research, medical, and service expertise toward fulfilling the university's societal and national responsibilities in this area.

Dr. Asim Al-Abdulqader, executive director of the Family and Community Medicine Center and the general supervisor of the (Ribbon of Hope) initiative, stated that this year, the university has launched the initiative in a novel and distinctive manner. Efforts and expertise from various departments within the university have collaborated to draw the #Ribbon_of_Hope for the Eastern Province community. He added that the initiative's launch is accompanied by various programs throughout October, both on and off-campus, including several shopping centers. These programs will feature exciting and engaging awareness activities targeting all family members. He also noted that the center, in close cooperation with King Fahd University Hospital in Khobar, will offer comprehensive preventive medical services, including diagnosis and treatment for cases detected early. This collaboration is expected to significantly increase the chances of recovery, God willing.