All posts by Abdullah Zafar
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor
Harmony, at the Heart of the Nation
December 2018
This 47th National Day once again brought with it a wonderful celebration of unity and harmony that makes all of us feel a part of this great country. By marking UAE National Day, we also honour the legacy of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation and the first President of the United Arab Emirates and reflect on the values that continue to guide us: wisdom, respect, sustainability and human development. As a special tribute to Sheikh Zayed, one of the world’s greatest philanthropists, we launched Zayed – 100 Years of Inspiration, a book to bring to life.
Saffron key in cancer treatment
According to the World Health Organization cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and researches around the world continue to search for a cure. Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Professor Amr Amin from United Arab Emirates University, has been conducting a study since 2011 and found saffron to have anti-liver cancer properties working both to stop cell division and promote cell death. The study was first published in the Hepatology Journal. A multifaceted disease like cancer should be approached with therapies that target multiple biochemical and physiological pathways. Saffron has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Anticarcinogenic activity of saffron was reported at the beginning of 1990 and research on this subject has increasingly continued during the past decade.
Introduction of a natural compound-based active ingredient to the cancer therapeutics would be an advancement in relation to the serious issues of drug resistance, relapse, and effective dose, etc. Given the current limited treatment options for liver cancer, introducing safranal as a novel therapeutic drug against liver cancer is needed. With the same objective, Professor Amin’s study is assessing the anti-tumor properties of safranal with and without sorafenib in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and investigating the transcriptional and translational effects of safranal on angiogenesis of HCC cells.
Professor Amr’s study advocates that the active components of natural products can be curative and protective in a sense of evoking less side effects; thereby enhancing the efficiency of isolated or synthesized chemical compounds with the ultimate possibility to inhibit or even reverse tumor development.
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Beat Diabetes Walk 2018
Al Jalila Foundation witnesses overwhelming nationwide participation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced it raised AED 1 million for breast cancer research and treatment during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the international health campaign held every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The events across the UAE drew thousands of people and families including many breast cancer fighters and survivors proving that the community is steadfast in its support for the cause.
It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women. According to studies it is now believed that in the UAE the average age of diagnosis is 20 years younger than elsewhere in the world. The high prevalence of breast cancer in the UAE reinforces the critical need for medical research and improved treatment to combat the disease and ultimately, save lives.
During the month of October Al Jalila Foundation led a month-long community campaign #PINKtober bringing together over 120 partners who hosted pink themed activities and events across the UAE; highlights included a pink Abra parade on Dubai Canal; 11 public sports events; 49 school carnivals; and a number of public activations across the country. Sports events included pink runs, swims, walks, yoga, scuba diving, ballet and golf tournaments with proceeds dedicated to breast cancer research and treatment.
Government and corporates organised employee wellness days which included talks by medical practitioners and survivors. Topics covered the importance of early detection, how to conduct self-examinations and the symptoms of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors shared their personal stories of courage, hope and triumph reinforcing that the disease can be beaten.
Sulaiman Baharoun, Director of Partnerships & Sustainability of Al Jalila Foundation: “Once again we have received overwhelming support from the community to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research during the month of October. It is heartening to witness the philanthropic spirit that takes over during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our aim is to continue this beyond October, 365 days a year, to ensure that we do not lose sight of our mission to fight the disease.”
The month concluded with the annual Brest Friends gathering bringing together 80 women who have been personally touched by breast cancer. The inspiring event celebrated life and survivorship with the reminder that the disease can be overcome.
Dr Houriya Kazim, President and Founder of Brest Friends, commented: “We have all been affected by breast cancer in some way and it is important to bring the community together to raise awareness and give hope that the disease can be beaten. As we move away from October, I would like to remind everyone that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to one month and call on the community to keep the message alive all-year round.”
Breast cancer is one of the many healthcare programs that Al Jalila Foundation leads in its mission to advance medical treatment and research. Since inception, Al Jalila Foundation has invested approximately AED 5 million to fund nine breast cancer research studies and provide quality medical care and treatment to 33 patients in the UAE.
#PINKtober Spreads Hope Across the UAE
November 2018
This year we celebrated the 4th #PINKtober campaign led by Al Jalila Foundation in partnership with Brest Friends with record breaking participation in the month-long breast cancer awareness campaign. It has been over 20 years since the UAE saw the first blossoms of engagement during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the pink ribbon emerging as a symbol of hope. What began as just a few people spreading the message on the existence of the disease, urging women to seek early detection, has turned into a bold nationwide campaign championed by people from all cultures.