Following a visit to Jordan by a delegation of global experts responsible for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) innovative cancer assessment tool, imPACT Review, a meeting was convened last Thursday at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Jordan office. The purpose of the meeting was to review the findings of the evaluation and consider the recommendations proposed by the delegation. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Health, Firas Hawari, the Chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, Khaled Touqan, and the representative of the World Health Organization in Jordan, Jamila Rabi. imPACT Reviews assess a country’s cancer control capacities and needs and identify priority interventions to effectively respond to its cancer burden, according to the IAEA’s website. The tool supports Member States in their efforts to improve comprehensive cancer control in their country. In a press release issued on Sunday, the Ministry disclosed that Hawari had listened to the insights of the experts in all spheres of cancer control, ranging from governance and planning to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, pharmacological, surgical and radiological treatment, palliative care, monitoring, and scientific research. Of particular note were programs dedicated to early detection of breast, colon, and lung cancer, as well as child-specific cancer care initiatives. Additionally, the safety of radioactive materials was also a prominent topic of discussion. The Minister underscored the significance of the comprehensive evaluation of cancer’s state, and how it can inform and enhance the cancer control strategy (2023-2030) and its implementation blueprint for the years (2023-2024). This strategy is being developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization, with the active involvement of all pertinent national health institutions, as well as local and international organizations committed to cancer control. He reiterated the need to bolster initiatives aimed at averting cancer and the various risk factors that contribute to its emergence, particularly smoking and obesity. Additionally, the minister pressed for greater focus on strengthening cancer detection programs and improving coordination and integration across various healthcare domains, given the escalating burden of this disease. Hawari noted that Jordan is poised to emerge as a focal nation in the Eastern Mediterranean region for the Global Childhood Cancer Initiative, which is being backed by the World Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This development is primarily attributable to Jordan’s involvement in two flagship global initiatives: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines. According to Jamila Rabi, WHO’s representative in Jordan, effective prevention and control of cancer are contingent on a multitude of factors such as political will, investments in country-driven implementation, global cooperation, and robust partnerships that are adaptable and sustainable. She emphasized that the concerted commitment of all stakeholders who have contributed to the Cancer Assessment Mission, including the World Health Organization, presents an unparalleled prospect that must not be overlooked. Dr. Andre Carvalho, a representative from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has affirmed that the comprehensive evaluation of cancer in Jordan is a vital collaborative endeavor undertaken by IAEA, WHO, and IARC. This initiative seeks to invigorate health systems and reinforce healthcare initiatives in the ongoing crusade against cancer. He underscored the critical significance of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in evaluating cancer prevention and early detection measures. This role is pivotal in ensuring the adoption of evidence-based strategies that can support the national cancer control plan and curtail the surging cancer burden in the country. Lisa Stevens, the Director of the IAEA’s Division of Program of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), has emphasized that medical imaging, radiology, nuclear medicine, and therapeutic radiology play an indispensable role in the all-encompassing control of cancer, and are crucial to attaining the optimal outcomes for patients grappling with this disease. She remarked that the agency’s evaluators are actively appraising the country’s competencies and requirements in the domain of cancer control, and identifying critical interventions that can be implemented to address the mounting cancer burden effectively. Additionally, she asserted that the agency is devoted to mitigating disparities in access to radiotherapy through the “Rays of Hope” initiative, and is steadfastly committed to aiding the country’s endeavors in promoting all-encompassing cancer control. Between April 30 and May 5, 2023, the panel of experts visited multiple medical facilities, including Al-Bashir hospitals, some health centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health, army hospitals, the King Hussein Cancer Center, university hospitals, and private sector facilities. Over 100 stakeholders involved in cancer control – spanning public and private health institutions, academic sectors, local and international non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies – were consulted by the team during their visit. It is crucial to note that cancer is the second primary cause of mortality in Jordan after cardiovascular diseases. This reality poses a significant challenge to public health and imposes a considerable economic burden on the country’s healthcare system.

Source: Jordan News Agency