In a significant step toward enhancing women’s health and cancer prevention efforts, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Ghassan Hasbani, officially launched the National Campaign for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. The initiative, unveiled during a press conference in Beirut, marks a joint effort between the Ministry of Public Health and Stouh Beirut Association, led by its president Dalia Dagher.
The campaign, conducted in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Al Mashrek Hospital, the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the National Commission for Lebanese Women, offers free Pap smear tests until January 20 at 208 accredited primary healthcare centers across Lebanon. These centers, part of a national network operating under the Canadian accreditation system, aim to make preventive healthcare accessible and of high quality for all women.
During the launch, Minister Hasbani emphasized the critical role of awareness and early detection in reducing the burden of disease, particularly among women. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and supporting early diagnosis efforts through its network of primary care centers.
“Awareness is at the heart of our mission,” Hasbani said. “We believe that educating citizens and healthcare providers about prevention can reduce suffering and healthcare costs. This campaign reflects that belief, and a strong example of how public-private partnerships can address national health challenges.”
Hasbani revealed that in 2015, 104 women in Lebanon were diagnosed with cervical cancer, representing an incidence rate of 4.2 cases per 100,000 women annually, with the highest risk observed among women aged 35 to 55. He stressed the importance of routine Pap smear screening, which can detect abnormal cell changes early and prevent the progression of the disease.
The campaign’s impact will be amplified through a combination of free testing and wide-reaching public awareness efforts. Stouh Beirut Association, with support from Al Mashrek Hospital, is funding over 10,000 Pap smear tests during the campaign period, in addition to organizing nationwide awareness drives and dedicating media platforms to promote early detection.
“This campaign focuses on married women of reproductive age and encourages them to undergo regular preventive screening,” Hasbani added. “It’s not just about detecting illness; it’s about creating a safety net for those at risk. We are grateful to Stouh Beirut and our other partners for their commitment and long-term collaboration.”
Dalia Dagher, president of Stouh Beirut, affirmed the association’s mission to serve public health and social well-being. She noted that women often delay health checkups due to the demands of family and work, urging them instead to prioritize their own wellbeing.
“There are important things in life, and there are more important things,” Dagher said. “Yes, it’s important to take care of your children, your home, and your work, but your health should always come first. Without it, everything else is at risk. Lebanese women have always been the stabilizing force in society, and it’s time we ensure their health is protected.”
Dagher announced that Stouh Beirut will also undertake the first national survey on cervical cancer in Lebanon to help shape future strategies and support affected women more effectively.
The National Commission for Lebanese Women, represented by Martine Najm Kteily, reiterated its commitment to promoting women’s health through national strategies and public engagement. Kteily highlighted that cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, especially affecting those in their most active years. However, she stressed that early detection leads to full recovery in most cases, making awareness and prevention crucial.
As part of the Commission’s ongoing strategy, Kteily emphasized plans to integrate regular cervical cancer prevention campaigns into Lebanon’s national health agenda, with a focus on education, coordination, and community outreach.
Dr. Antoine Maalouf, Chairman of Al Mashrek Hospital, concluded the event by urging women to take initiative in their health and not to delay essential screening. “The Pap smear is a simple, routine test that could save your life. Early detection means full recovery,” he stated.
This six-month campaign, under the slogan “Some things are important. Some things are more important. Early detection protects you,” reflects a collective national effort to empower women, reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, and promote a culture of preventive healthcare across Lebanon.
Les Toits de Beyrouth
