UAE: Pink Caravan Ride ends with record 13,213 free breast cancer screenings

Abu Dhabi: The Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), the annual national breast cancer awareness campaign, concluded its 11th edition in Abu Dhabi on Friday with a record 13,213 free screenings in the UAE.

The week-long walking tour themed ‘Powered by You’ kicked off in Sharjah on 4 February, combining more than 8 million footsteps with more than 13,000 screenings at more than 30 PCR testing centers – a record The numbers surpassed the goal of 11,000 screenings.

During the closing ceremony at Al Hudayriat Island in Abu Dhabi, Dhabi Holdings Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan paid tribute to the sponsors and partners who have provided support and resources to the initiative over the years.

PCR Special Envoy Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said he was proud to be part of the 11th PCR and to embark on a 140km horseback trek through the seven emirates to join the Pink Brigade until they finally reached the final leg at Abu Health Point Zabi on Friday.

“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 offered in months,” Sheikh Fahim said.

He added: “I am delighted to announce that the 11th edition of the Pink Caravan Ride campaign has surpassed its original goal of 11,000 free checks with a staggering 13,213 thanks to the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers Working hard, they completed a total of 59,830 hours. In 22 days, the medical team alone put in 11,880 hours, 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. With the efforts of these volunteers, a total of 59,830 hours of volunteer service have been completed, making the 11th PCR campaign a complete success.

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 unity and strength, breaking our record for their tremendous success in raising breast cancer awareness , and provided an all-time high number of free screenings since the first ride.”

She added: “The enormous amount of time invested in mobilizing the PCRs is proof that the impossible is possible when volunteers, individuals and institutions come together. Teamwork and determination were demonstrated as volunteers and local communities demonstrated in achieving PCR goals and aspirations effectively live up to the theme of “powered by you.”

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: “We are proud to partner with Pink Caravan to assist in this awareness raising project across the UAE. Yesterday’s [Friday’s] Events are in line with our commitment to provide quality care and education for everyone and to 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, traveled 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 established 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 11th PCR concluded with a celebration ceremony in the presence of Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE’s first female Cabinet Minister and Vice-Chairman of the FOCP Board, Dr. Mai Ahmed Al Jaber of Healthpoint; Saoud Alkaabi, renowned Emirati actor, producer and TV presenter; 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 film outlining the essence of the 11th PCR journey and its aim to raise breast cancer awareness and inspire individuals to take up the screening.