Dr. Hilal interacts with a staff manning one of the stands
Doha, Qatar: In observance of Gynecologic Cancers Awareness Month in January, the Gyne-Oncology and the Patient Family Education units of Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) and Qatar Cancer Society, encouraged women to stay informed about the symptoms of gynecological cancers.
The WWRC hosted a successful campaign to raise awareness on gynecological cancers from January 28 to 30, 2025. Under the theme "Together We Can," the campaign emphasized the importance of community collaboration in raising awareness, promoting early detection, and advancing the prevention of gynecological cancers.
The awareness campaign focused on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine while also shedding light on other types of gynecological cancers, including ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Throughout the event, patients, visitors and staff were educated on the symptoms, risk factors, prevention strategies and the significance of early detection and vaccination.
The opening ceremony was led by Dr. Hilal Al-Rifai, Medical Director and CEO of WWRC, and Dr. Moayyad Younis, Head of Gynecology at WWRC and Dr. Afaf Al Ansari, Co-lead of Gyne-Oncology at WWRC. They were joined by Dr. Mohamed Salem Jaber Al-Hassan, Medical Director and CEO of NCCCR, and key representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and the Qatar Cancer Society. The event was further enriched by the participation of schoolgirls from Qatar Foundation, who played a key role in promoting the importance of HPV vaccination and cancer prevention.
Key highlights of the campaign were:
Educational booths and awareness sessions: Interactive booths were set up to provide information on gynecological cancers, with a focus on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine.
Role play by Qatar Foundation students: Students from Qatar Foundation performed a role-play presentation, creatively explaining the significance of HPV vaccination and its role in cervical cancer prevention.
Expert insights: Healthcare professionals conducted informative sessions on HPV, early detection, and advancements in cancer treatments.
Dr. Hilal Al-Rifai highlighted the importance of strengthening community awareness around cancer prevention strategies, especially emphasizing HPV vaccination. He reaffirmed WWRC’s commitment to public health initiatives aimed at empowering both healthcare professionals and the public.
Dr. Mohamed Salem Jaber Al-Hassan reiterated the significance of early detection and proactive healthcare in preventing gynecological cancers. He also highlighted the need for continued education on prevention methods and the role of HPV vaccination.
Dr. Afaf Al Ansari, Co-lead of Gyne-Oncology at WWRC, emphasized the critical role of early diagnosis and awareness in combating gynecological cancers. She underscored the importance of the HPV vaccine for both men and women, advocating for greater awareness of gender-neutral vaccination.
