PSP-Jordan Partnership to Fight Breast Cancer
In March 2007, the National program drafted by the partnership was approved by the Ministry of Health. The initial pilot phase is in development with a new program office, draft national guidelines, and recent surveys of technical needs. The Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) program has brought the Susan Komen Foundation to partner with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, and MD Anderson Cancer Center University of Texas to partner with the King Hussein Cancer Center. USAID is providing funding for start up activities and PSP Jordan is providing technical assistance for activities related to the private sector – outreach, communications and training.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death of women in Jordan, as over 70% of women are diagnosed in the latest stages and have a low survival rate. The Breast Cancer initiative in Jordan received support from First Lady Laura Bush in a visit to Jordan as part of the Middle East Peace Initiative to increase early detection of breast cancer. Mrs. Bush stated that Jordan was the most advanced of the 5 countries visited, due to the efforts of the local partnership activities already on ground.
