Abha: Communities across Saudi Arabia and globally came together on December 8, and are continuing to do so a week after the activation day, to raise awareness for cancer prevention and early detection by forming Lavender Ribbons, as part of 10KSA's 2025 campaign, which called on everyone to get a check-up or screening - and encourage others to do the same.
According to Saudi Press Agency, founder of 10KSA Princess Reema Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz expressed her admiration for the efforts of all those participating in the campaign. She stated, "It has been incredible to see the efforts of all those participating in 10KSA's 2025 campaign. Every person who shaped a Lavender Ribbon and shared their commitment on social media helped forge a lasting change for a healthier tomorrow."
The Saudi-focused campaign rapidly gained international traction, engaging participants in 36 countries. Saudi embassies from the U.S. to China hosted activities, and media outlets in the UAE, Pakistan, and Egypt provided extensive coverage, amplifying its global reach.
10KSA's main partners, the Ministry of Health and the Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies, brought together more than 30 entities to integrate the campaign into the Saudi healthcare ecosystem. This included activating 20 Ministry of Health branches to champion the campaign and participate in forming Lavender Ribbons, as well as coordinating with health entities to inform 10KSA's educational material about cancer and information about preventative care.
Moreover, Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel gave an address calling on everyone to make early screenings for all types of cancer a regular practice.
Under the Ministry of Education, schools across regions and governorates participated in a variety of educational activities focused on healthy lifestyles.
Under the patronage of Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Princess Reema attended activities in Art Street, Abha.
In the presence of King Khalid University President Dr. Faleh Al-Solami, Undersecretary of the Emirate of the Region Mohammed bin Sultan bin Jaris, and several directors of government agencies and non-governmental institutions, Princess Reema watched a march by education students and was briefed on community health education programs. Aseer's Education Department also launched a 10,000-hour volunteer initiative in support of the campaign.
The event marked the planting of 10,000 lavender bushes in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA), represented by Morooj, along with other partners, including Arab National Bank and the Environment Fund. Princess Reema attended a ceremony in Abha, Aseer, featuring inspiring art activations honoring cancer survivors and the community. Princess Reema also met with volunteers as well as local honey and other agricultural producers.
As a strategic partner of the initiative, ROSHN Group hosted an activation at ROSHN Front, where visitors participated in planting lavender seedlings within a giant Lavender Ribbon-shaped planter. The event was attended by Princess Reema, Chairwoman of Zahra Association Haifa bint Faisal; Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel; Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti, and Acting CEO at ROSHN Group Eng. Sabah Barakat, among other 10KSA leadership.
In AlUla, approximately 120 people from AlUla Club, Royal Commission for AlUla, as well as football and gymnastics club members, and volunteers formed a Lavender Ribbon.
As part of its support for the 10KSA campaign, the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) activated the Sports for All Dome as well as a step challenge through the SFA App. The challenge recorded participation from more than 1,500 users, achieving a total of 51,371,094 steps, with 30 participants winning flower bouquets provided by Floward, which also contributed over 1,500 flower bouquets in support of cancer patients across Saudi Arabia.
Across the country, networks showed 10KSA, courtesy of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, while those logging into the Sehhaty App, ordering on the Jahez App, or out shopping were reminded of the importance of cancer prevention and early detection, as many brands participated in the campaign.
Many other entities took creative approaches to forming a Lavender Ribbon, including a real-life camel formation led by the Saudi Camel Sports. Moreover, Saudi embassies worldwide hosted awareness-raising activities.
In The Gambia and across West Africa, Safe Hands for Girls teamed up with the National Control Program, bringing health screenings to local communities and calling on healthcare professionals and public figures to raise awareness.
The 10KSA campaign has been made possible thanks to the support of various Saudi entities, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministerial Committee of Health in All Policies, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Aseer Development Authority, and the Environment Fund and Morooj. 10KSA also received support from partners, including ROSHN Group, Arab National Bank, and several local companies.