MoPH signs MoU with AstraZeneca to strengthen lung cancer care in Lebanon

LEBANON— The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AstraZeneca to launch a comprehensive national initiative to strengthen lung cancer prevention, awareness, and early diagnosis across the country.

 The collaboration seeks to enhance patient outcomes through improved prevention, equitable access to diagnosis and care, and reduced mortality from disease.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s National Cancer Plan 2023–2028 and represents a key step in advancing Lebanon’s cancer control strategy.

Under the MoU, both parties will work together to support public awareness campaigns, build capacity among healthcare professionals, and facilitate access to evidence-based early-detection programs.

The agreement also emphasizes the importance of scientific data collection to guide national planning and inform policy decisions.

Commenting on the agreement, His Excellency Dr. Rakan Nasreddine, Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health, highlighted AstraZeneca’s role as a trusted scientific and technical partner in supporting national lung cancer initiatives.

He noted that the company’s expertise in prevention, early diagnosis, and data management will help strengthen the healthcare system’s ability to combat lung cancer effectively within a transparent framework aligned with public health priorities.

Rami Scandar, AstraZeneca’s Country President for the Near East and Maghreb region, expressed pride in collaborating with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health to establish a comprehensive lung cancer care framework.

He emphasized that AstraZeneca’s efforts are grounded in scientific innovation and a strong commitment to health equity, enabling equitable access to screening, diagnosis, and advanced treatments for patients throughout Lebanon.

Dr. Arafat Tfayli, President of the Committee responsible for implementing the National Cancer Prevention Plan, drew attention to Lebanon’s alarming lung cancer statistics.

He noted that the country has the highest incidence of lung cancer among females and the second highest among males in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Lung cancer accounts for more than 9% of new cancer cases in Lebanon, ranking second only to breast cancer.

According to Dr. Tfayli, the rising rates are largely driven by tobacco use—including cigarettes, water pipes, and e-cigarettes—as well as air pollution from diesel generators and the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, particularly on children.

The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including contributing to national lung cancer awareness campaigns, developing communication materials for nationwide dissemination, and strengthening diagnostic capacity, particularly in underserved regions.

It also includes facilitating molecular testing to ensure equitable patient access, supporting the establishment of a regional Center of Excellence, and collaborating on evidence generation to inform future lung cancer screening and management policies.

Implementation details, timelines, and performance indicators will be determined through subsequent agreements, ensuring full compliance with Lebanese laws and international best practices.