Organized collectively with many local NGOs, the Hadramout Cancer Society (HCA) launched its first massive fund-raising campaign for cancer patients in Hadramout.
The HCS hopes to generate YR100 million ($500,000) from the series of events held within the campaign, which commenced last week. Hadramout University of Science and Technology hosted the kickoff activities which were attended by the Governor of Hadramout, Mr.Salim al-Khanbshi, and a huge number of other people. The night was highlighted by the beautiful singing voice of Yahya Hawa’a, a famous Syrian chanter, who delighted the audience with his songs. Later on, the presenter announced the names of donors including President Saleh, the Governor, an anonymous but generous benefactor, Bajaresh and Sheikh Bougashan who promised to shoulder the costs of treatment for a child with cancer, spoke on the behalf the patients. The total amount of donated money was YR60 million ($300,000). Dr. Walid al-Batati, the acting Head of the HCS, explained to the Yemen Observer that the HCS was established three years ago to focus entirely on cancer patients and has data about patients in Hadramout. “We are celebrating our Children’s Festival tonight and managed to raise almost YR60 million ($300,000). The HCS is treating 48 child cancer patients and those are just the tip of the iceberg. We have 42 adult patients registered with the HCS as well. We have a chemical treatment unit too, which provides full, free treatment for the patients, which is costly and something that most people can’t afford,†al-Batati said. The proceeds from this event will be used to fund treatments and other activities of the society.
According to the young doctor, there are many reasons behind the spread of cancer in Hadramout. “Taking medicine during pregnancy is the main reason for cancer in children. For the adults, chemical pesticides used in Qat and smoking are the main reasons,†he said.