Healthcare | Monday 25 February, 2019 4:30 am |

The Pink Caravan Ride has delivered 1,750 free check-ups and breast screenings leading to and during the inaugural day of their ninth annual edition, which seeks to heighten community awareness about the importance of early detection and the role regular screenings plays in ensuring the same.

 

The campaign’s equine awareness route was led by 15 male and female volunteering riders, who tracked 37 kilometers across the emirate of Sharjah yesterday (Saturday), which began at the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of FOCP, and ended at the Al Majaz Waterfront in the evening.

 

Day 1 of the ride saw the participation of four young equines in the 4 - 6 age group, reflecting the campaign’s efforts to integrate the nation’s youth in important community activities and also making them more aware about the disease through their involvement.

 

Their participation also reflects PCR’s efforts to pass on their values of community service and humanitarian legacy, also championed by the Emirati society as a whole, from one generation to another.

 

The riders received a remarkable reception by Sharjah residents at the Al Majaz Waterfront, who got together to undergo their free consultations, and learn more about its causes and prevention methods. They praised the Pink Caravan’s great efforts in offering early detection screenings to all members of community, both women and men.

 

Free medical examinations were offered at medical clinics in four main locations across Sharjah, including Sahara Centre, Mega Mall, Sharjah National Park, and Souq Al Jubail - exclusively for men. Additionally, the fixed clinics in the seven emirates simultaneously offered their services.

 

Among the 1,750 people PCR consulted were 166 men and 1,584 women, of which 460 people were refereed for mammogram, and 137 for ultrasound. The seven fixed clinics and other mobile clinics began receiving visitors two days ahead of the PCR’s start.  

 

A series of family-centric edutainment events and activities were organised at Al Majaz Waterfront in sponsorship with Fast Contracting and Building.

 

Badr Al Juaidi, Manager of the Pink Caravan Ride, said: “The PCR’s ninth edition set off from Sharjah to continue the journey of awareness and hope in its fight against breast cancer, which began in 2011 through the promotion of awareness messages and providing free detection examinations to all community segments. On its first day, the ride saw an impressive public interaction at its several stops where riders have been greeted by people. The medical clinics received an impressive turnout by men and women.”

 

He added: “This year we are focusing on two main themes in spreading our messages of awareness – the engagement of civil society organisations and highlighting the value of knowledge as a key pillar of our battle against breast cancer. Emphasising this value, we have decided this year to organise a series of events in a number of emirates with the aim of providing all segments of society, including children, with the information and facts about breast cancer.”

 

The caravan will be heading to Dubai on Monday, February 25. The equines will map 2 kilometres within Dubai Design District (D3), which will host a series of entertainment and awareness events from 10am to 8pm. PCR will also organise the famous Pink Regatta awareness sail in collaboration with Nakheel, which will bring together breast cancer survivors to talk about their journey tackling and successfully overcoming the disease.

 

The mobile clinic locations on Dubai day include, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Indian International School, D3 and Emirates Transport. These clinics will receive both men and women, while the fixed clinic will be stationed at the Mall of the Emirates. Mobile clinics will be available at Dubai Design District (D3), and sponsorship of Chalhoub Group.

 

The PCR’s ninth edition will continue until March 1, traveling around the seven emirates, accompanied by 40 fixed and mobile medical clinics that will offer free early detection screenings and consultations for all community segments throughout the weeklong tour.

 

To mark its ninth anniversary, the campaign aims to offer free medical checkups to 9,000 women and men.