After witnessing first-hand the effect of a cancer diagnosis, not only on the patient, but also on the entire family, HRH Princess Ghida dedicated herself to the fight against cancer. As the Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Center (KHCC), Princess Ghida has been at the forefront of the advances in cancer care and prevention in Jordan.
When Princess Ghida was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of KHCF and KHCC in 2001, cancer care in Jordan was practically nonexistent and a severe stigma was associated with the disease. One of her first steps was to rename the existing Amal Center as the King Hussein Cancer Center to honor His Majesty the late King Hussein and place the word cancer boldly in the name of the Center, thereby directly confronting the taboo associated with this disease.
Over the years, Princess Ghida led KHCC to become a full comprehensive cancer center with international standards of care and global recognition. KHCC now has established programs for all stages of cancer care: from prevention and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment to palliative care. KHCF and KHCC also promote cancer awareness and prevention through a Smoking Cessation Program at KHCC, through the Jordan Breast Cancer Program and through a variety of programs and campaigns. Under Princess Ghida’s guidance, KHCF and KHCC have amassed regional and international partnerships and collaborations and have benefited from the exchange of knowledge and expertise. In the past 20 years, KHCF has evolved from a small local organization to one that commands a regional presence and is a leader in comprehensive cancer care in the region. Furthermore, KHCF has become the voice of the developing world and an active participant in global cancer control.
In 2011 and again in 2018, His Majesty King Abdullah II appointed Princess Ghida to represent Jordan as his special envoy to the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in New York. During her address, Princess Ghida joined world leaders in calling for urgent and immediate action on NCDs.
