The First Lady of Lebanon Visits the Women’s Cancer Institute at Hôtel-Dieu de France

First Lady of Lebanon, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun, praised the medical and research efforts dedicated to advancing cancer care for both women and men, with the ultimate goal of improving survival outcomes. Her remarks came during a special visit to the Women’s Cancer Institute at Hôtel-Dieu de France, the first specialized center of its kind in Lebanon and the region, dedicated to safeguarding women’s health and supporting them in facing one of the most serious health challenges of our time.

The First Lady toured the center, reviewed the services it provides, and visited patients undergoing treatment, where she inquired about their health and wished them a swift recovery. She then moved to the hospital’s General Administration, where she was received by representatives of the medical, nursing, and administrative teams.

During the reception, Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Director of Hôtel-Dieu de France–Saint Joseph University Hospital Network, addressed the gathering, stating:
“Your visit to the Women’s Cancer Institute shines a light on a profound humanitarian and national cause, and underscores the hospital’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens’ health despite severe economic and environmental challenges. This center is the fruit of our continuous efforts, dedicated to supporting women patients and their families in the battle for hope and healing. The growing number of cancer cases makes this mission a moral duty that cannot be abandoned. Your presence today provides immense moral support and conveys a message of solidarity to every patient and their family, while reaffirming your trust in our ability to remain resilient and uphold human dignity and the right to treatment.”

Mrs. Diana Bou Dargham Tannoury, Manager of the Women’s Cancer Center, followed with a word of welcome:
“With faith and gratitude, we are honored to welcome the First Lady, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun. Her support brings strength and hope to every woman in Lebanon fighting cancer. The Women’s Cancer Institute at Hôtel-Dieu de France was born out of a personal journey with illness, but it embodies a national cause that touches every household. Its mission is to ensure early detection, proper treatment, and compassionate care for all women. Our vision is to transform women’s healthcare in Lebanon through awareness and prevention programs, early diagnosis, surgical and medical interventions, psychological support, and scientific research. Thanks to Hôtel-Dieu, we are blessed with a fully dedicated medical and nursing team to carry out this mission.”

Professor David Atallah, Director of the Women’s Cancer Institute and Head of the Department of Gynecology and Abnormal Placentation, then presented data and statistics regarding cancer cases in Lebanon and the number of patients who have benefited from the center’s support to date.

On this occasion, Reverend Professor Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of Saint Joseph University and Chairman of the Board of Hôtel-Dieu de France, addressed the audience, saying:
“Your presence, Madam First Lady, goes far beyond protocol. It is a message of solidarity and hope to every woman with cancer and her family. For over a century, our hospital, in partnership with Saint Joseph University, has pursued its mission of providing advanced medical and human care to all patients without discrimination. The Women’s Cancer Center embodies this mission by accompanying patients medically, psychologically, and socially. Today, you reaffirm that human health and the dignity of women remain at the heart of our nation’s priorities, and you encourage us to continue our path of medical excellence.”

Concluding the visit, the First Lady expressed heartfelt gratitude in her closing remarks:
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. It is not you who seek my support; rather, it is I who come to draw strength from you. The smiles I saw today on the faces of patients are thanks to your dedication. You are all planting seeds of hope. May God grant that you remain the guardian angels of these patients and of Lebanon as a whole.”

Mrs. Aoun reaffirmed her ongoing commitment to advancing women’s health and strengthening specialized care services for the benefit of patients and society. To mark the occasion, she was presented with a commemorative shield.