Jusoor Foundation inks pact with OCA to establish mobile mammography unit

Jusoor Foundation, the social investment arm of Vale, Sohar Aluminium and OQ, has signed an agreement with Oman Cancer Association (OCA) to establish a mobile mammography unit in Al Batinah North.

Sheikh Saif bin Hamiar Al Malik Al Shehhi, Governor of Al Batinah North and Chairman of Jusoor Foundation and Dr Wahid Ali Al Kharusi, Chairman of OCA and signed the agreement.

The project will provide a mammogram unit that aligns with the philosophy of the funding companies Vale Oman, Sohar Aluminum and OQ, which is the importance of investing in health and environment sectors since they affect the lives of the community members vastly. Besides, the project aims to raise community awareness about the symptoms, causes and treatment methods of breast cancer as well as the importance of early detection of the disease as it will hugely reduce the treatment journey and costs. The mammogram unit will tour the governorate’s provinces and encourage women to do periodic checks. The unit will provide free examinations, which will improve primary prevention of breast cancer and will also enhance the quality of health services by minimising examination waiting time.

Dr Wahid Ali Al Kharusi, Chairman of OCA, emphasised the significance of the mobile mammography unit in assisting Omani women and residents alike. He said, “Early detection of this disease is one of the most effective ways to increase the chances of successful treatment and would save patients from a lengthy list of cumbersome and costly medical procedures. Moreover, the unit will contribute in alleviating the pressure on treatment centres.”

The project cost is estimated to be OMR250,000 as it will require the supply of a mobile cabin, outfitted with the latest technologies suitable for examinations as well as the equipping of the mammogram unit for X-rays. The mobile mammogram unit’s work plan will cover a programme of periodical field visits to all states in North Al Batinah Governorate, in collaboration with Ministry of Health (MoH) centres to raise awareness and provide free examinations for women over the age of 40.

Jusoor Foundation is the pioneering institution and the first non-profit social foundation established in 2012 in the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to serve the Omani society by following and adopting best practices related to corporate social responsibility standards, as well as implementing and developing sustainable social projects in societies through understanding the Omani society’s true needs.