KUWAIT: Makin Club has launched its inaugural activities aimed at providing psychological support to cancer survivors, in cooperation with clinical psychologist Nadia Al-Obeidi. The initiative comes as part of the club’s broader strategy to promote recovery and social reintegration, in response to the rising number of cancer survivors in Kuwait. The country’s cancer cure rate has reached approximately 70 percent, reflecting significant progress in national healthcare outcomes.

Founded to complement the efforts of the Sidra Society, Makin Club focuses on offering continued care and psychological support for individuals following the completion of cancer treatment. Its initiatives have garnered the support of the Gulf Cancer Federation, which has officially adopted the club’s activities — highlighting Kuwait’s leadership in advancing survivorship care in the region.

In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed interest in collaborating with the Gulf Cancer Federation. Dr. Heba Al-Sawahly, a consultant at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, welcomed the initiative and affirmed the organization’s support for future programs.

Dr. Khalid Al-Saleh, Secretary General of the Gulf Cancer Federation, praised the promising cooperation and commended Makin Club’s impactful role in supporting women recovering from cancer. He emphasized the importance of building a strong community for survivors and noted the club’s significant contributions in this area. Makin Club was officially inaugurated in February 2025 under the patronage of Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. Its early activities included a recreational trip to Failaka Island, where participants took part in archaeological tours, cruises, horseback riding, and other activities designed to foster emotional well-being.

In addition to leisure events, the club is also organizing structured psychological support sessions led by consultant Nadia Al-Obeidi. These sessions aim to raise awareness, provide emotional reassurance, and empower survivors to support newly diagnosed patients throughout their treatment journeys.

Makin Club has further initiated collaboration with the Alsedra Association for Psychological Care for Cancer Patients, with the goal of expanding psychological support services throughout the region. As part of its regional outreach, club members are scheduled to take part in a specialized WHO workshop in Cairo, focusing on scientifically grounded psychological care guidelines for cancer patients.

Dr. Eman Al-Shammari, head of the Makin Club Committee, stated that the club’s annual plan includes a wide range of recreational, psychological, and social programs. She invited new members to join by calling 65070469 or visiting the club’s headquarters in the Al-Qadisiyah area, located within the Kuwaiti Society for Preventing Smoking and Cancer. Concluding the announcement, Dr. Khalid Al-Saleh praised Kuwait’s pioneering role in supporting cancer survivors and expressed gratitude for the continued backing of Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. He affirmed that these efforts reflect a new era of giving under the leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.