The King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Health Organization (WHO) on, July 5, 2010 regarding the ongoing provision of cancer treatment for underprivileged Iraqi patients at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), one of the most prominent comprehensive cancer treatment centers in the region. HRH Princess Dina Mired, Director General of KHCF signed the MOU, along with Dr. Hashim Elzein Elmousaad, the WHO Representative in Jordan.
As specified in the MOU, the US$ 240,000 grant from the WHO will be directed towards KHCF's Iraqi Goodwill Fund. This grant is the fourth such grant from WHO and will alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment costs for underprivileged Iraqi cancer patients who lack medical insurance and are being treated at KHCC.
WHO generously allotted three similar grants to KHCF over the past two years, beginning in June 2008 and totaling US$ 900,000. These funds aided in covering treatment costs for 155 underprivileged Iraqi patients suffering from various types of cancers. Some of these patients were supported more than once through the different grants by the WHO. This fourth grant indicates WHO's understanding of the urgent need of support for Iraqi cancer patients.
Since its inception in 2006, the KHCF Iraqi Goodwill Fund has aimed to provide financial relief to Iraqi cancer patients throughout Jordan. Since 2003, 1,668 Iraqis reported with cancer at KHCC, a high proportion of whom are underprivileged. This number increases by 25 new Iraqis visiting KHCC each month seeking cancer treatment.
HRH Princess Dina Mired expressed her gratitude and appreciation for WHO's ongoing support which enables KHCF to financially aid Iraqi patients at KHCC. "The fight against cancer requires the support of the entire community, and needs national, regional and international collaboration. I am confident that this grant will ease the financial burden of many Iraqi families who have loved ones suffering from cancer and who seek treatment at KHCC."
