“Addis Ababa Must Become a Smoke-Free City to Protect Residents from Lung Cancer” Mr. Wondu Bekele, Founder and Chief Executive Director of Mathiwos Wondu – YeEthiopia Cancer Society (MWECS)
World Lung Cancer Day is being observed in Ethiopia for the second consecutive year at the national level and for the 14th time globally under the theme “Lung Cancer Can Be Detected Early Through Screening Without Symptoms or Spread.” In line with this, the Ministry of Health (MoH), MWECS, and the Ethiopian Thoracic Society (ETS) jointly hosted a week-long awareness and screening campaign focused on lung cancer.
During the press briefing conducted today, at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Conference Hall, Dr. Rahel Argaw, President of ETS, discussed the significance of World Cancer Day and the ongoing efforts to combat the increasing burden of lung cancer in Ethiopia. She expressed gratitude to MoH, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF), MWECS, and other partners for their continued support and commitment to making a difference. Dr. Selamawit Ayele, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Desk at MoH, emphasized that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, highlighting the importance of addressing preventable risk factors, particularly smoking.
Mr. Wondu Bekele, Founder and Chief Executive Director of MWECS underscored the significance of the tobacco control law passed in Ethiopia in the fight against lung cancer. He stressed the need for Addis Ababa to become a smoke-free city, similar to cities in other continents and countries. This initiative would reduce public exposure to second-hand smoke, thereby protecting the population from lung cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
The week-long lung cancer prevention and treatment campaign was conducted with the support of BMSF. MWECS would like to express its gratitude for the entire BMSF team.
Recent Comments