Awareness Campaigns

Throughout the year, MAHAK Charity Institute turns global cancer awareness messages into concrete action for children with cancer and their families across Iran. As an active member of the international childhood cancer community, MAHAK aligns its major awareness campaigns with the official themes announced by leading global organizations.

Every year, MAHAK implements two flagship awareness campaigns:

• In September: in line with the theme announced by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)
• In February: in line with the theme announced by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for World Cancer Day

Through these synchronized efforts, MAHAK helps ensure that the global call for equity, early diagnosis, and access to treatment reaches children and families at the national level.

September: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – In Line with CCI & SIOP

Every September, MAHAK joins the global childhood cancer community in marking Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, implementing its nationwide GO GOLD campaign in alignment with the theme and strategic directions introduced by CCI and SIOP.

Building on years of experience and growing community engagement, MAHAK’s September campaign focuses on:

• Raising and spreading awareness about childhood cancer and the importance of early diagnosis
• Promoting equitable access to multidisciplinary, evidence-based treatment for all children
• Strengthening research and sustainable funding for pediatric oncology
• Harnessing digital transformation to improve patient care and donor engagement
• Advocating for health equity, so that no child is left behind due to social or economic barriers

Through press conferences, public events, educational sessions, media collaborations, and extensive social media outreach, MAHAK’s GO GOLD campaign transforms awareness into action. Iconic landmarks, community partners, schools, and supporters across Iran join MAHAK in going gold for children with cancer, amplifying the global message of hope and solidarity.

February: World Cancer Day – In Line with UICC

Every February, MAHAK marks World Cancer Day in alignment with the theme and strategy introduced by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). As a committed UICC member, MAHAK designs its February awareness and advocacy activities to reflect the key messages of the global campaign.

World Cancer Day provides a powerful platform to:

• Highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship
• Advocate for equitable access to quality cancer care for all, especially children
• Engage the public, health professionals, policy-makers, and media in a shared call to action
• Showcase MAHAK’s comprehensive, family-centered model of care and its contribution to global cancer control

MAHAK’s long-term commitment to World Cancer Day was internationally recognized in 2020, when the institute received the World Cancer Day Spirit Award from UICC—becoming the first cancer institute worldwide to be honored for fully implementing the campaign in alignment with UICC’s strategies.

In 2026 and beyond, MAHAK continues to uphold this standard by integrating UICC’s annual theme into educational content, advocacy messages, community events, and digital campaigns that speak directly to the realities of children with cancer and their families in Iran.

A Year-Round Commitment Beyond Campaign Dates

While September and February are MAHAK’s two major awareness peaks, the institute’s commitment extends far beyond these months. The insights and themes introduced by CCI, SIOP, and UICC are incorporated into MAHAK’s year-round activities, including:

• Ongoing awareness and education programs for families, schools, and communities
• Continuous engagement with media, influencers, and partner organizations
• Development of innovative digital tools to inform, connect, and empower supporters
• Advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening childhood cancer services and policies nationwide

By aligning its major campaigns with global themes and translating them into local action, MAHAK builds bridges between international standards and national needs—ensuring that every message serves a single, clear purpose:

to move closer to a future where no child has to face cancer alone.