King Abdulaziz Medical City Jeddah represented by Social Service Department have launched the Pediatric Oncology Awareness Campaign in collaboration with the Princess Nora Oncology Center on Thursday 7th of November 2015.
Dr. Wasil Jastaniah, Consultant and Chairman of Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC) along with Associate Executive of Operation in the Western Region Mr. Abdulaziz Harazi inaugurated the event. The campaign objective is to educate parents in particular about how to deal with young cancer patients in addition spreading awareness about pediatric oncology amongst the community. This includes integrating young cancer patients in the community to be a productive and an active individual in addition to the psychological and social methods that will lift their spirits. It is worth mentioning that the Social Service Department was keen on holding this event as a collaborative effort with multiple parties such as the Ministry of Social Affairs, represented by the Social Rehabilitation Center (males and females) along with the exhibitions held to support this campaign as in Sanad Charitable Association, Majid for Community Development, Zamzam Association, the Society of Community Friends Charitable Association, and Eman Association.
Dr. Wasil Jastaniah pointed out that that this campaign targets young cancer patients through providing an integrated awareness program for patients and their families, to raise the level of awareness towards the importance of providing social and psychological support for children and their families, as well as briefing patients of all available public, private and voluntary support community services.
In addition, Mr. Abdulaziz Harazi pointed out during the launching that high importance of health education for patients, pointing out awareness has become a local and a global strategy adopted by the Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs.
For her part, Director of Social Service Department, Mrs. Alya AlAmri, said that the campaign included various activities such as photography to capture the children impressions in addition to educational activities coordinated by specialized medical departments in King Abdulaziz Medical City.
Moreover, the Physiotherapy Department showcased their services through visual entertainment as well as explaining the correlation physiotherapy and cancer treatments and the great impact it has on cancer patients.