Over 13,000 free cancer screenings in 7 days: 11th edition of UAE Pink Caravan sets new record – News

Annual national breast cancer awareness campaign sees 92 volunteers on horseback across seven emirates

The Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), the annual national breast cancer awareness event, concluded its 11th run at Al Hudayriat Island in Abu Dhabi. The seven-day journey kicked off in Sharjah on 4 February with the theme ‘Powered by You’, offering free breast cancer screenings to men and women across the country.

More than 13,000 screenings were conducted at more than 30 testing centers during the rate hike, a record number exceeding the goal of 11,000 and the most extensive screenings achieved since the program began in 2011.

During the closing ceremony, Dhabi Holdings Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan recognized the compassionate spirit of the sponsors and partners who provide support and resources to the PCR.

PCR Special Envoy Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi expressed his immense pride and joy to be a part of the 11th PCR and embarked on a 140km horseback ride across the seven emirates to join the Pink Brigade until they finally reached the end of the week Five health centers in Abu Dhabi.

“The Pink Knight’s journey has been a demanding and demanding task involving intricate organizational details, however, the rewards of their hard work are evident, as they have shown interest in PCR and visited clinics spread across seven emirates to utilize PCR since 1 The number of free screenings that have been offered for months,” Sheikh Fahim said.

He further added: “I am delighted to announce that the 11th edition of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) campaign has surpassed its original target of 11,000 free checks with a staggering 13,213 thanks to our enthusiastic The tireless efforts of volunteers who have been clocking a total of 59,830 hours. The medical team alone put in 11,880 hours in 22 days, an average of 12 hours a day, and the joint efforts of all volunteers averaged 16 hours a day.”

From January 1 to February 4, a total of 154 volunteers contributed 24,640 hours of work, and the medical team composed of 45 members put in 11,880 hours in 22 days, an average of 12 hours a day. By the end of the campaign, a total of 185 volunteers had put in approximately 23,310 hours, an average of 16 hours per day. The efforts of these volunteers, combined with the tireless efforts of others, totaled 59,830 hours of volunteer service, making the 11th Annual PCR Awareness Campaign a complete success.

For her part, Reem BinKaram, Chair of the PCR Senior Steering Committee, said: “The unwavering spirit of the volunteers and the UAE community came together in a show of extraordinary solidarity and strength, their tremendous success in raising breast awareness shattered. set our record for providing a record number of free screenings since the first ride. The enormous amount of time invested in mobilizing the PCR proves that the impossible is possible when volunteers, individuals and institutions come together. Theme “Powered by You” It was effectively achieved due to the strength of teamwork and determination demonstrated by volunteers and the local community in achieving the goals and aspirations of the PCR.”

BinKaram also revealed that the medical team conducted a comprehensive health assessment and guidance on a total of 12,329 people. “According to the PCR Senior Steering Committee, the campaign involved 10,556 women and 2,703 men, of whom 8,848 were significantly under 40 and 4,365 were over 40. The initial screening was performed with precision and 2,347 were Referrals were made for further mammographic evaluation and 630 were recommended for ultrasound.”

Pink Caravan Tours (PCR) completed the final leg of their seven-day journey to Abu Dhabi on Friday, departing from the Oasis of Dignity car park and heading to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, where they were greeted by the Director-General Amal Bamatrif’s warm reception Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center Cultural Communication Department. The march culminated at Mubadala Health Partners and multi-specialty hospital Healthpoint in Zayed Sports City, where the Pink Caravan mammography clinic was open to all, while the Daily Minivan opened at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Asia The Mall offers breast cancer screenings.

Commenting on Healthpoint’s partnership with Pink Caravan, Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, Medical Director, Public Health Medicine Specialist, said: Yesterday (Friday)’s event is in line with our commitment to provide quality care and education for everyone and encourage early detection and prevention. “

The 11th PCR saw the convergence of volunteers and equestrian participants to embark on a 140km journey across the seven emirates of the UAE. The Pink Brigade, made up of 92 volunteers, walked an impressive 8,836,000 steps across the country’s roads in seven days.

Throughout the event, a total of 33 clinics were available for appointments from all over the country. Stationary clinics have been set up at strategic locations and destinations to provide screening and counseling services from January 20 to January 10 to meet the needs of residents and tourists. The Pink Caravan mammography clinic and minivan are coordinated with the pan-emirate journey, starting operations in Sharjah and Ajman on 4 February, before concluding in Abu Dhabi on 10 February.

The PCR’s continued success over the years is due to the unwavering support and commitment of influential community members, including royals, community leaders, institutions and media figures, who advocate for the importance of regular breast cancer screening to maintain health and wellbeing population.

The conclusion of the 11th PCR was marked by a celebratory ceremony in the presence of esteemed individuals Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the first Emirati female Cabinet Minister and Vice-Chairman of the FOCP Board, Dr. Mai Ahmed Al Jaber of Healthpoint, a well-known Emirati actor, producer Filmmaker and TV presenter Saoud Alkaabi, PCR Ambassador Muhanad Hassoun, and various officials and media representatives. Attending the ceremony were PCR volunteers, including members of the Medical, Events, Equine and Logistics committees, and a thought-provoking film was shown outlining the essence of the 11th PCR journey and its aim to raise awareness of breast cancer Recognize and encourage individuals to undergo screening.