Children battling cancer showcase creativity in Sulaymaniyah art exhibition

SULAYMANIYAH — An art exhibition showcasing the works of children affected by cancer from Hiwa Hospital was held at Nali Park in Sulaymaniyah on Wednesday. The exhibition featured paintings and handmade crafts created by the children.

Saman Karim, head of the Ara project from the Kurdistan Children’s Protection Organization, which oversaw the exhibition, told 964media that the event was organized for children undergoing treatment at Hiwa Hospital. “These children are undergoing treatment, and they have made these artworks,” he said.

The exhibition is part of activities tied to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, aiming to support the children and their creative endeavors.

“Childhood cancer is not equivalent to death,” Karim said. “Just because a child has cancer does not mean they are different from other children. These children have potential and creativity.”

Some of the works were created by children still undergoing treatment, while others came from children who have completed treatment and are in recovery.

Established in 2007, Hiwa Hospital is a public institution dedicated to the treatment of cancer and blood diseases, attracting patients from across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Karim emphasized the importance of emotional and social support for the children, noting that such activities help them express their emotions and experiences. “Recovery is not just medical but also involves emotional and social support,” he said.

The project focuses not on artistic ability but on providing a sense of peace and happiness for the children. “We want the children to feel calm and happy. Art becomes a tool to bring joy to their lives,” Karim added.

The exhibition serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a way to raise awareness about the resilience of children battling cancer.

Kurdistan Regional Government Health Minister Saman Barzinji has noted that cancer rates in the region are below the global average, with 151 cases per 100,000 people (0.151%) compared to the global average of 190 cases per 100,000 people (0.19%).

In 2023, the KRG Ministry of Health reported 9,911 new cancer cases, up from 9,061 cases the previous year, representing an average of 30 to 35 new cases daily.

Cancer treatment is available at several facilities across the Kurdistan Region, including Nanakali Hospital, Rizgari Centre in Erbil, Hiwa Hospital in Sulaymaniyah, and the Azadi Center in Duhok.