Haidar: We Have Maintained Our Capabilities in Caring for Cancer Patients

Minister of Labor Muhammad Haidar participated in the scientific forum organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on the "Hope Beam" initiative and focal centers, alongside Lebanon's Ambassador to Vienna Cynthia Chedid and Director of the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Bilal Nsouli. Haidar delivered a speech on behalf of Lebanon, addressing the importance of strengthening international cooperation in combating cancer and ensuring advanced and equitable healthcare for patients.

Haidar stressed that "fighting cancer goes beyond the medical aspect; it is also linked to social and economic dimensions, given the disease's impact on an individual’s life, family, ability to work, and source of income," emphasizing that "enhancing cancer patient care also means protecting human dignity and enabling individuals to continue their professional and social lives and return to work with dignity when their health permits."

He highlighted "the importance of the partnership between Lebanon and the IAEA, and the technical support, training, and capacity-building provided," affirming that "despite economic crises and difficult regional stability, Lebanon has maintained significant capabilities and expertise in nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and cancer patient care."

Haidar underscored that "Lebanon views the 'Hope Beam' initiative as an opportunity to strengthen its medical and scientific capacities, while simultaneously contributing its expertise and competencies to support the capabilities of countries in the region, drawing on its established medical and academic standing and its specialized universities and medical institutions."

He pointed to the importance of "Lebanon's commitment to continuing its partnership with the IAEA," considering that "the true success of these initiatives is measured by their ability to save lives, provide treatment to patients, help workers regain their ability to earn a livelihood, and give families hope."