18/02/2026
On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, celebrated each year on February 15, the president of CHANCE Association, Dr. Roula Farah, paid an official visit to the Minister of Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine. She was accompanied by Dr. Leila Akoury Dirani, past president of the Lebanese Order of Psychologists, CHANCE board member Mr. Rachid Moussallem, psychologists, and most importantly, children fighting cancer and their parents. 🎗️
The meeting provided an important space to reflect on the realities faced by children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. Dr. Farah thanked the minister for his tireless efforts in securing essential medications and highlighted the gaps that still exist, especially in immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
She presented CHANCE’s ongoing projects, emphasizing the critical role of psychosocial support, family-centered care, and sustained advocacy to improve access to comprehensive treatment services. Discussions also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration with the Ministry to strengthen mental health support within hospitals and ensure that care addresses not only medical needs, but emotional and social well-being as well. 💛
The minister was deeply touched by hearing directly from families and children about their needs and struggles, as well as the vital role CHANCE has played in their journey toward recovery.
This encounter underscored that every child deserves quality treatment delivered with dignity and compassion, and that strong partnerships between civil society and public institutions are essential to creating lasting impact. Together, the shared commitment remains clear: no child and no family should face cancer alone. 🤝✨
Lebanese Ministry of Public Health - وزارة الصحة العامة