72nd Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC72)

NABD-BC2 Association, represented by its President, Mrs. Ikram Eseghir, proudly participated as a UICC Delegate alongside Baheya Foundation, represented by Yomna Omara; and Aid and Hope Foundation, represented by Eman Shannan, in the 72nd Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC72). This important gathering brought together Member States, civil society, and global partners to advance regional health initiatives and policies. 

During this event, Mrs. Eseghir had the opportunity to meet Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of WHO EMRO. We also had the pleasure of engaging directly with Dr. Balkhy, sharing our stories as persons with lived experience, introducing our work as patient advocates, discussing the projects we are implementing in our respective countries, and presenting our key requests to support our ongoing initiatives. 

It was a pleasure to meet with Dr. Lamia Mahmoud, Regional Advisor at WHO EMRO, and her team, Dr. Heba Al Sawahli and Dr. Jihane Azar, to review ongoing collaborations and projects related to meaningful engagement. Later that evening, NABD-BC2 joined a networking dinner with regional health stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and exchange experiences. 

A major highlight of RC72 was the launch of the Cairo Call-to-Action on Breast Cancer on 16 November, led by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and supported by WHO and regional Member States. This landmark initiative aims to strengthen breast cancer care across the Eastern Mediterranean by promoting early detection, equitable access, and comprehensive treatment for women and their families. NABD-BC2 was honored to engage in this initiative and meet regional leaders and experts. 

Mrs. Eseghir also participated in a side event organized by the Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance (EMNCD Alliance), which was honored by the Egyptian Minister of Health, his delegation, and the Regional Director. The event gathered health experts, advocates, and civil society representatives. As a panelist, Mrs. Eseghir amplified patient voices, highlighting NABD-BC2’s efforts in advocacy, awareness, and community engagement.

RC72 also addressed noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which saw the adoption of a new resolution on palliative care in the region, presented by Dr. Lamia Mahmoud, and the engagement of people living with NCDs, reinforcing the importance of inclusive and patient-centered health policies.

In addition to the official sessions, NABD-BC2 engaged in valuable networking opportunities with fellow patient organizations, notably We Want Life (represented by Esraa El Sayed), Baheya Foundation, and Aid and Hope Foundation (represented by Eman Shannan). NABD-BC2’s President also visited the Baheya Foundation headquarters to learn more about their impactful work in breast cancer care. Networking during the dinner provided further opportunities to connect with regional health advocates, and a brief informal meeting with the Moroccan delegation during a coffee break allowed for discussion of potential areas for collaboration.

Participation in RC72 strengthened NABD-BC2’s collaborations and expanded its regional network, enabling the association to contribute actively to strategies that prioritize action, access, and equity in health. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for the opportunity to represent civil society alongside our dedicated regional partners.

At NABD-BC2, we remain committed to turning these milestones into lasting standards, ensuring quality care, prevention, and equity for all. 

NABD-BC2; let your voice be heard!