Oman to host World Cancer meet in 2020
Oman Cancer Association and its partner, National Oncology Centre have won rights to host the 2020 UICC (International Union for Cancer Control) Congress and the 2020 World Cancer Summit in Muscat.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Oman Cancer Association. Associates for the event are Oman Convention Bureau and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
UICC, headquartered in Geneva, is a globally reputed organisation registered at the United Nations and represents more than 140 member countries. Oman Cancer Association and the National Oncology Centre are UICC members.
According to OCA Chairman Dr Wahid al Kharousi, the congress was awarded to Oman due to various reasons, including recognition of Oman Cancer Association’s work nationally, regionally and globally, especially its active work in the International Cancer Prevention Consortium, and the international recognition of National Oncology Centre at Royal Hospital. Most importantly, Oman’s reputation for its stability and security.
“This is the first time the summit is coming to the Middle East region,” said Dr Wahid Al Kharousi.
The congress, to be hosted in the Arab world for the first time, is likely to be held in October 2020.
Dr Bassim al Bahrani, Director of National Oncology Centre, said, “This could be one of the largest conferences to take place in Oman as more than 4,000 people are expected to take part. It could generate RO 6-10 million revenue. It might need 12,000-14,000 rooms and transport facilities. If it is successful, then there would be more.”
As for the World Leaders’ Summit, at least six heads of states and major decision-makers are expected to attend.
Dr Zahid al Mandhari, ViceChairman of OCA, who was in Paris to bid for the rights, said, “It was not easy to win the bid. It is great that we have an opportunity to present to the world the challenges the region faces in regard to cancer that are different from the issues that are experienced in the western countries.”
Some of the major challenges Oman is facing are increased detection of breast cancer cases among the young. Another challenge is cancer due to genetic reasons.
“The cancer burden is expected to rise in the future. Do we just wait and watch or do we take steps to tackle it?” said Dr Zahid. Dr Asya al Riyami, member of OCA board, said the impact of research will be high as there is a gap in research in Oman and other countries of the region.