James Kon
The largest human ribbon, the first of its kind in the Sultanate, was formed at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday to mark the spirit and essence of the fight against cancer.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in his capacity as Chairman of Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) Board of Directors and guest of honour and Minister of Health cum Deputy Chairman of PJSC Board of Directors Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar as special guest joined to form the ribbon along with hundreds of people.
The PJSC’s World Cancer Day Weekend 2023 was held to spread awareness and highlight the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer.
Organised by PJSC and held at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, it saw the participation of Cabinet Ministers including Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, deputy ministers and Wu Chun, recently appointed as the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Day Ambassador.
World Cancer Day 2023 Chairman Dr Lu Shir Kiong said, “PJSC will always ensure that cancer messages shared every year are consistent, relevant and impactful to patients and the people of Brunei Darussalam. This year’s campaign provides a platform for cancer patients and family members to share their experience and thoughts with stakeholders and the public during the gathering as well as provide comprehensive information regarding cancer through the exhibition booth and information shared on our social media platforms.
“The UICC launched a three-year theme to rally the world under a united front from 2022 to 2024 called ‘Close the Care Gap’ with 2023 the second year that PJSC celebrated World Cancer Day with the same theme. This is to provide special focus on addressing the challenges and obstacles experienced by cancer patients in obtaining treatment and care including lack of funding, lack of conducive residence location and discrimination. By having a similar theme and campaign for three years, it gives a longer opportunity to raise awareness, gain support and take more effective action in closing the care gap for all patients,” he said.
The event’s main activities were the Walk to Beat Cancer (2.5km), World Cancer Day Amazing Race and Bike to Beat Cancer (30km). The guest of honour took part in the Walk to Beat Cancer (2.5km) with Cabinet Ministers, deputy ministers, the PJSC senior management team, cancer patients and cancer survivors.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew also toured the exhibitions and interactive cancer exhibition. Other activities included a kids corner, Nerf challenge, fitness challenge, World Cancer Day lucky draw and food vendors operated by local SMEs.
PJSC supports UICC in its fight against cancer and with activities and initiatives, especially during World Cancer Day. PJSC encourages everyone to show support by participating in the 21 days by registering on the UICC website.
