Ministry of Health and Prevention signs MoU with Hoffman-La Roche to fight cancer in UAE

UAE, January 30, 2017– The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has announced that it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss multinational pharmaceutical firm Hoffman-La Roche with specialties in treating tumors, among others. The agreement aims to address the growing number of cancer cases in the UAE and reduce death rates by 25 per cent by the end of 2021 as part of the Ministry's efforts to find innovative cancer treatments and ensure that health services are on par with international best practices.

Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector at MOHAP, and Abed Al Rahman Sabra, Country Manager of Hoffman-La Roche, signed the MoU at the MOHAP headquarters in the presence of Dr. Muna Al Kuwari, Director of Specialized Healthcare at the Ministry, and a delegate from the pharmaceutical firm.

Dr. Al Serkal said that cancer incidences in the UAE are spreading at a rate lower than those of Western countries, noting that the Ministry of Health continues to expand its partnerships with various organizations to bring in quality healthcare for cancer patients as part of its strategy to improve health facilities as well as its systems and ensure easy access in accordance with international standards. These efforts are in line with the UAE’s goal to become one of the best countries in the world in providing quality healthcare with key targets embodied in the National Agenda under UAE Vision 2021. 

He further stated that he is positive about the key directions of the strategic partnership with Hoffman-La Roche, which will focus on formulating a national index for cancer deaths per 100,000 of the population. The Ministry will also work on the creation of a national committee in cooperation with other health authorities to develop a plan to control the growth of cancer and reduce deaths by 25 per cent by 2021, based on the 2013 baseline.

Hoffman-La Roche’s Sabra commented: "We are confident that this strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE will support the effective implementation of this noble initiative. We will build on our role in this partnership to provide the necessary expertise to assess the current situation and support the development of a national program for the fight against cancer. We thank the Ministry for this partnership and we are committed to meet our key targets."

Under the MoU, Hoffman-La Roche will provide tools and statistics for strategic analysis and expertise in the fight against cancer and prepare a road map to achieve the target index. It will also conduct a situational analysis, track diagnosis and forms of therapy and support research studies on how to control cancer. The firm will support workshops and educational activities, training and awareness campaigns, as well as other MOHAP innovative activities related to the initiative as well.