Dr. Joe Harford Recognized for Decade of Work in the Middle East

Dr. Joe Harford, Chair of the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) of the Ireland-Northern Ireland-NCI Cancer Consortium, was recently recognized for his work as NCI liaison to the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) (www.mecc.cancer.gov) by the Arab Medical Association Against Cancer (AMAAC). The focus of Dr. Harford’s Middle East work is similar to the focus of his work in support of the Consortium, to include establishing and strengthening cancer registries plus individual and group training activities for health care workers and cancer researchers.

His Excellency the former Prime Minister Faisal Al Fayez of Jordan presented Dr. Harford with the award, which cited “his significant contribution to enhance the status of cancer care and cancer research in the region” and “his unwavering efforts to support needed infrastructure and create opportunities in cancer education, training and capacity building to help cancer patients and their families throughout the Arab World.”

During the presentation at the Middle East and North Africa Cancer Research Conference held in Amman, Jordan, Dr. Harford thanked the AMAAC and acknowledged the support of former and current NCI Directors and the US State Department. He also thanked Dr. Samir Khleif of NCI, who served a three-year tenure as Director General of the King Hussein Cancer Center.