The Middle East Cancer Consortium: A Model for Regional Conciliation and Compassion in the Middle East

Michael Silbermann*

The Middle East Cancer Consortium: A Model for Regional Conciliation and Compassion in the Middle East.

Regions in the Middle East are still experiencing political and military hostilities which negatively affect the health and health services of millions of people. Cancer is one of the major causes of high morbidity and mortality in the region. Palliative care for the cancer patient is one of the care options available for all those suffering from such a life-threatening disease.

The Middle East Cancer Consortium initiated a regional plan to implement palliative care approaches both in hospitals and the community. Moreover, the region lacks experienced professionals who could pave the way for establishing national palliative centers and guide primary care physicians and nurses to exercise this relatively new discipline in clinical practice.

This report describes, in short, the endeavors, barriers and successes of this project, which are intended to bring medical professionals closer, thereby promoting understanding, respect and tolerance among individuals and communities in conflict.

The Middle Eastern Cancer Consortium is a regional initiative for cancer research and treatment. Established in 1996, MECC’s founding members include the US, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey.

MECC aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the Middle East
through collective compassion, regional training and education, and collaborative research. MECC’s current reach includes over 20 countries throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and
East and Northern Africa that come together to learn to relieve patients’ suffering from cancer and its treatments.

Palliat Med Hosp Care Open J. 2022; 8(1): 1-7. doi: 10.17140/PMHCOJ-8-144

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