Princess Ghida Talal, chair of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), visited Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute (NKBCI) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), for a “Thank You" Ceremony in appreciation of her support for adult cancer patients in time of crisis through medication donations to NKBCI and AUBMC in 2020 and 2021.
With the aim of celebrating the long-lasting collaboration between KHCC and AUBMC in improving access to cancer care and enhancing clinical patient outcomes and survivorships in the region, her excellency visited the new NKBCI facility in the Halim and Aida Daniel ACC building and got introduced to its holistic model. Covering – but not limited to – the facility clinical programs, new initiatives, floor design concept, patient flow as well as the adoption of EPIC digital medical record for patient records and its implementation as a communication tool between physicians and patients.
The ceremony was also attended by the American University of Beirut President Fadlo Khuri, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and VP for Medical Affairs Raymond Sawaya, Director of Children Cancer Institute and AVP Dean for Finance and Clinical Affairs Hassan El Solh, the Medical Center Director Joseph Otayek, President and Founder of Cancer Support Fund Hala Dahdah Abou Jaber, Head of Division Hematology Oncology Nagi EL Saghir, Director of Clinical Operations at NKBCI Hazem Assi, and Director of Clinical Research and Data Management at NKBCI Ali Shamseddine.
Recognized as an international leader with Lebanese origins, Princess Ghida Talal was honored during a private lunch that followed the visit, hosted at the Monty Business Club where she received a token of appreciation from AVP for Medical Advancement and Communication and Director of NKBCI Ali Taher.
Dr. Taher presented the NKBCI overview, its new initiatives, research outcomes and new projects that all cater towards holistic patient care and advancement of cancer care.
From her side, HRH Ghida Talal said that AUB represents a beacon of great value to the Lebanese community; it is important to continue the development of cancer care services and she has no doubt in the struggle that the team will go through. When conditions in Lebanon began to decline, his majesty ordered support for the country and, as a result, the KHCC Board of Trustees led a fundraising campaign and were able to assist seven hospitals in need in Lebanon.
During the event, Dr. Khuri noted: “We are grateful for the King's consistent support to Lebanon and the American University of Beirut; he has been supporting and serving cancer care globally and we thank you for fighting no less than we do as physicians and for lifting our spirits in these difficult times and we wish you and his majesty good health."
“We are glad to say that this collaboration has fruitfully materialized in numerous successful projects, especially the King Hussein Cancer Research Award" said Dr. El Saghir.
Ms. Dahdah stated: “HRH's visit gave us hope as we are witnessing unprecedented needs and we believe that the Kingdom's support and collaboration will surely alleviate and help us meet our patients' needs."
For over two decades, Princess Ghida Talal devoted her life to combatting cancer in Jordan and the Arab world, and she became an internationally recognized leader in the fight against cancer. In October 2001, King Abdullah II of Jordan designated her to establish the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Center (KHCC). Under her leadership, KHCF/KHCC have transformed the landscape of cancer care in Jordan, and KHCC stands as the only internationally accredited comprehensive cancer center in the entire Middle East, welcoming patients from across the region seeking the most advanced treatment available. Princess Ghida's humanitarian vision for KHCF/KHCC has enabled the treatment of thousands of underprivileged and refugee patients, by tirelessly fundraising for their treatment at KHCC.
A strong believer in the necessity of cancer research as the key to curing the disease once and for all, Princess Ghida established the King Hussein Award for Cancer Research in 2020, which aims to empower ground-breaking cancer research efforts in the Arab world. Her leadership of comprehensive advocacy efforts in Jordan have helped dispel the stigma around cancer as a death sentence and have made early detection part of the community discourse. Princess Ghida has also been a pioneer in calling for mental health awareness and has become a widely recognized public health advocate.
AUBMC insists that cooperation is key in the Middle East region to improve access to cancer care and to raise the bar in clinical patient outcomes and survivorships. NKBCI is considered a research hub in Lebanon and the Middle East with an important field impact factor and always strives to play a role in developing cancer care services and advancing cancer care both nationally and regionally.