Belisha Foundation Ethiopia Team Meets with Ministry of Health to Strengthen Cancer Support Initiatives

On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Belisha Foundation Ethiopia team, led by Vice Board Chairman Jony Girma, held a pivotal meeting with the Ministry of Health’s non-communicable disease control leaders at their office in Addis Ababa. This collaborative discussion marked a significant step forward in addressing cancer prevention and support for patients and families in Ethiopia.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

1. Ministry’s Full Support: The Ministry of Health welcomed the Belisha Foundation’s efforts in cancer awareness, prevention, and care, pledging full collaboration and support.
2. National Cancer Prevention Program: The Ministry shared details about its comprehensive program addressing cancer prevention, awareness creation, treatment, and palliative care.
3. Gaps in Awareness: Both sides emphasized the lack of information among the general public and even among healthcare professionals, highlighting the urgent need for targeted education campaigns.
4. Media Engagement: The discussion pointed to the limited role of media in creating awareness about cancer, signaling an area for strategic improvement.
5. Accommodation Challenges: The Ministry acknowledged the pressing issue of inadequate accommodations for women traveling from rural areas to seek treatment in urban centers.
6. Palliative Care Resources: While the focus remains on prevention, the Ministry highlighted the limited resources available for palliative care, underscoring a critical gap in support for terminally ill patients.

Belisha Foundation’s Next Steps:
Based on this discussion, the Belisha Foundation will refine its strategies to:

• Develop innovative, inclusive, and participatory awareness campaigns to educate the public and professionals.
• Facilitate accommodations for patients, particularly women, traveling from rural areas for treatment.

Ministry’s Commitment:
The Ministry of Health has pledged to share its resources with the Foundation, involve it in national cancer-related programs, and provide accessibility and support wherever needed.

This collaboration marks an important milestone for the Belisha Foundation as it works to advance cancer awareness, prevention, and care in Ethiopia, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against this disease.