Latest news with #AishaAlMulla
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
FOCP, EHS to drive cancer detection efforts
Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) and Emirates Health Services (EHS) have signed a new partnership at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, to enhance cooperation in cancer prevention, early detection, and to provide both moral and financial support to patients across the UAE. The agreement, signed by Dr Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at EHS, and Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, underscores FOCP's ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with national healthcare institutions to benefit the wider community. It sets out a framework for expanding early detection programmes and strengthening both financial and emotional assistance for patients. EHS has long been a strategic partner of FOCP, with both organisations having previously joined forces on cancer awareness initiatives. The renewed partnership provides a platform to broaden the scope of collaboration and align efforts in support of the UAE's national strategy to curb cancer prevalence and lessen its impact on patients and their families. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Essam Al Zarouni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, affirmed that the MoU represents an advanced integration model among national sectors pursuing the country's healthcare goals. This collaboration aligns with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 objectives and the UAE Centennial 2071. For her part, Dr Shamsa Lootah highlighted that EHS is committed to expanding strategic partnerships with key community stakeholders to support its focus on disease prevention and early detection, particularly for cancer. Through ongoing awareness programmes and initiatives, EHS aims to raise public awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles and improve early diagnosis and treatment, in line with its commitment to comprehensive healthcare. Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, said: 'The new partnership with EHS represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to raise community awareness of cancer and strengthen patient support systems. It builds on a longstanding collaboration between us.
Sharjah 24
21-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
FOCP, EHS partner to drive national cancer detection efforts
The agreement, signed by Dr Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at EHS, and Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, underscores FOCP's ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with national healthcare institutions to benefit the wider community. It sets out a framework for expanding early detection programmes and strengthening both financial and emotional assistance for patients. EHS has long been a strategic partner of FOCP, with both organisations having previously joined forces on cancer awareness initiatives. The renewed partnership provides a platform to broaden the scope of collaboration and align efforts in support of the UAE's national strategy to curb cancer prevalence and lessen its impact on patients and their families. A strategic step towards shared goals Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Essam Al Zarouni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, affirmed that the MoU represents an advanced integration model among national sectors pursuing the country's healthcare goals. This collaboration aligns with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 objectives and the UAE Centennial 2071. For her part, Dr. Shamsa Lootah highlighted that EHS is committed to expanding strategic partnerships with key community stakeholders to support its focus on disease prevention and early detection, particularly for cancer. Through ongoing awareness programmes and initiatives, EHS aims to raise public awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles and improve early diagnosis and treatment, in line with its commitment to comprehensive healthcare. Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, said: 'The new partnership with EHS represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to raise community awareness of cancer and strengthen patient support systems. It builds on a longstanding collaboration between us. It reflects our joint conviction that coordinated efforts between the non-profit and healthcare sectors are vital to advancing early detection, improving prevention, and alleviating the challenges faced by patients and their families throughout their treatment journey.' Patient support and assessment As part of the agreement, FOCP's Patient Affairs Department will assess each cancer case to determine eligibility for financial assistance, in line with the organisation's established policies and procedures. In parallel, it will provide moral support, acknowledging its essential role in enhancing treatment outcomes and overall patient well-being. Awareness campaigns and joint programmes FOCP and EHS will collaborate on early cancer detection initiatives through public awareness campaigns, joint research projects, and specialised workshops and conferences. These efforts are designed to expand access to cancer-related services within the community, supporting prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.
Sharjah 24
26-03-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
FOCP runs successful zakat campaign throughout Ramadan
This year's campaign is launched under the motto 'Together, we thrive,' highlighting the importance of collective efforts in the fight against cancer, which often isolates patients from their loved ones and communities. By uniting efforts, the campaign seeks to make a meaningful difference, empowering patients with the strength, resilience, and determination to overcome their illness. Stories of hope in the month of giving One of the recipients is a 37-year-old mother of five who is undergoing treatment at Tawam Hospital for rectal cancer. Given her household's AED 8,500 monthly income, the AED 71,212 cost of her radiotherapy sessions is a major hardship. She conveyed her appreciation, saying that the campaign fosters a sense of community care by supporting patients and their entire families. In a similar vein, a 48-year-old father at Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah is having financial difficulties due to medical bills that have topped AED 93,122 while receiving treatment for multiple myeloma. He revealed that the campaign has given him comfort in knowing he is not fighting this battle alone, despite living on AED 4,375 per month. At Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, a three-year-old who is not aware of his battle with neuroblastoma needs AED 255,024 worth of dinutuximab treatment. His parents, who together make AED 6,870 a year, thanked the campaign, saying it has given them courage and hope through this difficult time. Together in the battle against cancer FOCP Director Aisha Al Mulla underlined that the campaign's influence goes beyond financial assistance, acting as a hopeful message from kind contributors to cancer patients going through difficult times. She said: "The giving spirit is at its peak during Ramadan, uniting people, organisations, and corporations to give sufferers hope again." This campaign embodies our goal of transforming kindness into practical assistance and truly helping those in need. The Zakat Campaign builds on the work done last year, when 98 cancer patients received AED 5.7 million in aid from FOCP for a range of treatments, including drugs, surgeries, bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. FOCP has implemented several channels to make donations easier. The official website ( offers e-vouchers for donations, and there are also special Zakat pages ( and ( Donations can also be sent internationally using IBAN AE440410000011364854002 or by bank transfer to the Sharjah Islamic Bank account (0011-364854-002). Through the use of Etisalat, FOCP also provides a mobile donation option. Supporters can message "Zakat" to 6447 for AED 20, 4426 for AED 50, 4467 for AED 200, and 2308 for AED 500. Participation from both inside and outside the UAE is made possible by these easily accessible donation options. Comprehensive support beyond financial aid To promote a sense of community and alleviate the isolation brought on by illness, FOCP provides support beyond fundraising through programmes like community festivals, Eid attire for young cancer patients, and Ramadan food packages. FOCP has hosted several iftar gatherings for patients, survivors, and their families since the beginning of Ramadan. Fifty youngsters and their families gathered for an iftar at the TIME Grand Plaza Hotel on March 7. With assistance from Lubna Olayan, Patchi, Taif Al Emarat, and Claro Speciality Coffee, 200 patients attended the annual community iftar held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on 10 March. One hundred people attended another iftar event at the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. To strengthen the sense of community solidarity, FOCP worked with the UAE Food Bank and Esaad Centre to distribute 400 Ramadan food boxes on March 16. We also planned a special Eid shopping day at Oasis Mall Sharjah for thirty young cancer patients. They chose festive attire from Max Fashion and then played at Fun City. To support children with cancer, FOCP also organised hospital visits on March 24. Young patients at Mediclinic City Hospital received gifts in partnership with Sharjah Children. Through these programmes, FOCP upholds the principles of kindness and generosity, ensuring that no cancer sufferer has to confront their ordeal alone.
Sharjah 24
18-03-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
FOCP spreads joy to cancer patients, families during Ramadan
Nourishing hearts and souls through Iftar gatherings On the 7th of March, FOCP commenced its Ramadan event series with a supportive Iftar gathering hosted in collaboration with TIME Grand Plaza Hotel (Dubai) for 50 children battling cancer, their parents, and also for survivors. This touching tribute timed with International Women's Day, also celebrated and honored the resilience of mothers, whose strength often forms the foundational support of their children's brave journeys. Now a tradition within FOCP's yearly efforts, the annual Iftar at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) brought together more than 200 patients, families, and FOCP Board and team members, and was generously sponsored by philanthropist and renowned business woman Mrs. Lubna Allana. The evening, held on the 10th of March, was also supported with generous gifts of chocolate boxes from 'Patchi', perfume gift bags from 'Taif Al Emarat', and free coffee for attendees during the evening from Claro Specialty Coffee. What has also become a yearly highlight, FOCP will be organising an intimate Iftar gathering for 100 people, graciously hosted by Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Offering a serene seaside setting for families to break their fast, this event, taking place on Tuesday 18th March, will give attendees the opportunity to find solace and connect with the FOCP community. Creating joy through compassion On the 16th of March, FOCP, with the support of UAE Food Bank and Dubai Police's Esaad initiative, distributed 400 Al Meer Al Ramadany Food Boxes to families, ensuring they could share in the blessings of the season. In partnership with Landmark Group, and held at Oasis Mall in Sharjah, FOCP invited 30 child cancer patients accompanied by volunteers to experience the joy of selecting their very own Eid outfits from Max Fashion. The activity which took place on the 14th of March was followed by a memorable playtime experience at the mall's 'Fun City', ensuring the day was filled with fun and joy. Collaborating with Sharjah Children Center, FOCP is also organising a special visit to pediatric cancer patients at the Mediclinic City Hospital on 24th March, spreading cheer through gifts, companionship, and moments of pure joy amidst the children's treatment journeys. Reflecting on these initiatives, Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, shared, 'Ramadan is a time to embrace empathy, unity, and the profound strength of community, and through these events, FOCP has continued our mission to ignite hope, reminding every patient and family that they are never alone. We also give our deepest gratitude to our partners, whose generosity turns compassion into action, lighting the path toward healing and joy.'
Gulf Today
02-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Help needy cancer patients with Zakat, urges FOCP
The Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a UAE-based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families, is calling on the community to make a meaningful difference during Ramadan through its annual Zakat initiative. Under the powerful theme "Togetherness Conquers," the 2025 campaign invites individuals and institutions to extend a lifeline to financially burdened cancer patients. By embracing compassion and generosity, we can bring hope to those in need and take a united stand against cancer. The campaign aims to encourage all members of society to come together to combat cancer, drawing on a religious ruling issued by the Permanent Fatwa Committee in Sharjah, which permits the use of Zakat funds to support cancer patients in financial need who are unable to afford treatment. How to donate: FOCP urges everyone to participate in the campaign and contribute to helping cancer patients and their families during Ramadan. To support FOCP's noble cause, individuals can donate via and leverage the calculator to determine the Zakat amount. Online Dhs10, 50,100, 500, and 1,000 donation coupons are available at Bank Transfers: Donations can also be made via bank transfer to FOCP's Sharjah Islamic Bank account, no. 0011-364854-002, IBAN AE440410000011364854002. SMS Donations: People can also donate by sending an SMS with the word 'Zakat' to the following designated Etisalat numbers to contribute: 6447 to donate Dhs20; 4426 to donate Dhs50, 4467 to donate Dhs200; or 2308 to donate Dhs500. Togetherness Conquers Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, underscored the importance of community solidarity and compassion towards cancer patients. She highlighted that the Zakat Campaign is one of the association's key annual initiatives to alleviate pain and bring hope to cancer patients. Al Mulla stressed that every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in patients' lives, easing their suffering and giving them hope for recovery. She emphasised that collective community efforts provide the strength and determination to overcome cancer. She added: "Our annual campaign aligns with our ongoing mission to support patients and their families. In 2024, we allocated over Dhs5.7 million to support the treatment of 98 cancer patients and provide financial and emotional assistance to them and their families.'' Zakat 2024 achievements The association allocated donations from last year's Zakat campaign to support various medical needs. Specifically, 37.5% was directed towards medications and pharmaceutical supplies for 42 patients, while 30.1% covered chemotherapy costs for 25 patients. Additionally, 9.6% was allocated for bone marrow transplants for four patients, and 7.5% supported radiotherapy for nine patients. Laboratory tests for 11 patients received 6.1% of the funds, and 4.9% was used for surgeries for six patients. The remaining 4.8% was designated for general expenses for 9 patients, including doctor visits, prescription glasses, and prosthetics. As part of their annual tradition, FOCP organised the distribution of Meer Ramadan (food boxes) for cancer patients and survivors in collaboration with Esaad Center and UAE Food Bank, which provided 400 food boxes throughout the Wasit Suburb Council, facilitated by the invaluable support of the Sharjah Volunteer Center. The association also distributed Eid clothing to 38 children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 and organised a group Iftar for 200 patients, survivors, and their families at the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. The association launched a social media campaign last year to reach all segments of the public in the UAE and highlight the journeys of cancer patients bravely battling the disease by sharing real-life stories of resilience, courage, and hope. The campaign achieved 6.2 million impressions, 2.6 million engagements, and 2.3 million reach, with the campaign videos garnering 2.1 million views.
