SHARJAH: Pink Caravan campaign, an initiative launched by the Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP) to increase awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer in the UAE, unveiled details of the caravans second ride, which will start on 5th of April in the emirate of Sharjah and run over 10 days until the closing day in Abu Dhabi on 14th of April.

The Pink Caravan announced its expansion this year to include more than 10 riders divided into 10 volunteer riders and 5 riders from Pink Caravans ambassadors and the UAE prominent figures on daily basis. The caravan will visit the main areas in the Northern Emirates including Al Dhaid, Ajman, Masafi, Fujairah, Khorfakkan, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Al Mamzar, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Academic City, Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, Al Samha, Al Shahama, Marina Mall, and the Emirate Palace in Abu Dhabi. The total distance of the journey will be 266 kilometers.

The announcement was made in a press conference that was held yesterday under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Honorary President of the FOCP who was represented by Ameera BinKaram, FOCPs Founding Member and President of the Board of Trustees.

The conference was attended by Mr. Ahmed Saad, Deputy CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, the official partner of the Pink Caravan and a number of the Pink Caravans ambassadors, including Ambassador Sheikha Madiya Bint Hamad Al Sharqi, daughter of H. H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Fujairah, Ambassador Sheikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Public Works Department, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani, Director General of Sharjah Statistics Centre (SSC), Ambassador Khawla Al Serkal, Director of Sharjah Ladies Club, Ambassador Vian Al Shwani, Vice President of SAHARA Management and Consultancy, Ambassador Saud Bin Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Presenter, Ambassador Zeina Habi, Athlete, and a group of media representatives.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Honorary President of the FOCP, by Ameera BinKaram, FOCPs Founding Member and President of the Board of Trustees, she said: "I am delighted of the Pink Caravans success day by day, its outstanding ability to reach every part of the UAE and the collective efforts made by all the stakeholders, decision makers, Pink Caravans ambassadors, the work team and media representatives who all spared no efforts to help the Pink Caravan achieve its important goals, which serve the interests of all who live in our dear homeland" "The primary goal of the Pink Caravan is to reach every woman and man in the UAE to spread awareness of the breast cancer, conduct the clinical tests and encourage the culture of regular test. Only by unified efforts, as we see today, this goal can be achieved", she added.

The Pink Caravan announced that a 2D mammogram will be designated to reach remote areas and enable medical team conduct ultrasound and mammogram tests on spot, in order to save time and effort, and get rapid and more accurate diagnosis results. More than 50 physicians and medical personnel, who were trained to the highest international standards, will conduct the medical tests and awareness lectures for men and women, alike.

On the other hand, the Pink Caravans awareness team will start its campaign to spread awareness on the dangers of cervical cancer. The campaign will reach Sharjah and the Northern Emirates in cooperation with Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

The ambassadors inked the stamp of loyalty on the pink caravan ambassador program which was unveiled during the press conference. New smart phone applications were announced to be used during the journey to enhance communication between the pink caravan, its riders and spectators. Media representatives were familiarized with the mammogram clinic. At the end of the conference, the caravans riders made a show that included the safety measures and other details.

Ameera BinKaram, FOCPs Founding Member and President of the Board of Trustees, said: "We have been able to refer 2250 cases to mammogram and ultrasound screening and to provide treatment to those who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Contributions helped fund the Pink Caravans activities, provide treatment to breast cancer patients and come closer to our goal of acquiring high tech mobile clinic equipped with modern technologies to conduct the mammogram in remote areas where residents cannot travel to major hospitals or cannot afford treatment.

"Last year, the Pink Caravan managed to break ground for the most ambitious health project, namely the establishment of a unified cancer register in the UAE for all citizens and expatriates. The register will include patients health records, and provide clear and updated database that shows the directions of the disease and ways of treatment. The registry will give comprehensive statistics which enable concerned parties in health sector know the rate of cancer spread and how to fight in a clear and transparent way, in cooperation and support of Ministry of Health and health authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi", she added.

Speaking about the support extended to the Pink Caravan, Mr. Ahmed Saad, Deputy CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, said: "Everybody is aware of the volume of support needed for such campaigns, a volume that makes many other organizations be reluctant before enter into a real partnership with such humanitarian initiatives. The results we have seen and the positive impacts the pink caravan was able to create have encouraged us to continue and offer all forms of support the campaign may need to reach its goals. This traditional commitment of the Sharjah Islamic Bank is part of the corporate social responsibility and is in compliance with the principles of Islamic Shariaa.

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Chairperson of the Pink Caravans Medical and Awareness Committee, said: "This year we are targeting 5000 screening test at the mobile clinic, within a period of 17 days, starting from 1st until 17th of April. The tests will be conducted through a medical team consisting of over 50 highly qualified doctors, medics, medical technicians and health advisors who were trained to the highest international standards in cooperation with a renowned medical training centre based in Huston, USA".

"The medical and awareness committee will arrange more than 60 mobile clinics, this year, through 5 teams in all parts of the country", she added.

Speaking about the track of the caravan, Cecile Guillemot, Chairperson of the Higher Committee of the Pink Caravan, said: "our most recent change has been the establishment of a new committee "Innovation and Development", it is with great excitement that I share with you today its first project. By harnessing the momentum of social media, we have designed our very own social network platform to be used as a tool to bring together all the individuals who make up PINK CARAVAN. You can now find Pink Caravan in the APP store of your device. The route this year has altered slightly to include a coastal path around the UAE, the reason for this change is to take our message and spark further curiosity at the heart of every city we pass through".

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.