The Silent Crisis: Why the Middle East is Losing the War on Cancer
In
Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026
By
Salma Abuzaid
Salma Abuzaid is an Egyptian high school senior with academic and research interests in health justice, patient rights, and legal accountability in healthcare systems. She is the founder of Civis MENA, a youth-led policy lab amplifying MENA perspectives through research, publications, and workshops, and the Secretary-General of Global Online Model United Nations, leading 400+ delegates across 35+ countries. Her work spans policy writing, research dissemination, and international youth engagement. She has contributed to published articles, newsletters, and mental health initiatives, and has experience in outreach, communications, and digital strategy through multiple organizations. Alongside her academic and leadership work, she founded a small business and built a content platform reaching over 300k views, reflecting a consistent focus on initiative, execution, and impact.