Zeena, Maldives

I am a Nurse and Nurse Educator deeply committed to cancer care. My journey with oncology began with my beloved mother, who passed away nearly 26years ago. Her cancer journey profoundly shaped my perspective on compassionate care.

My mother was diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer and stayed with us for only three years. I vividly remember the day a healthcare provider, with little regard for her emotional state, bluntly told her she was going to die and needed to prepare for it. Overwhelmed, she burst into tears. At the time, I was just a first-year nursing student, unprepared and unequipped to ease her pain. I could only manage to say, “Mumma, death can come to anyone at any time. It’s wise to be ready.” Those words, though meant to comfort, now feel inadequate. I regret not knowing how to truly be there for her during her most vulnerable moments.

This experience taught me the vital importance of compassionate communication in cancer care. Every patient, regardless of their condition, deserves to feel valued, supported, and understood.

Today, I teach cancer care to nurses, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to provide a compassionate touch of healing. I strive to ensure they understand the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of oncology care, equipping them to make a difference in their patients’ lives.

In 2024, the Maldives Oncology Nurse Association was established, marking a significant step in enhancing oncology care in Maldivian culture. Together, we are creating a future where cancer care is grounded in compassion, dignity, and empowerment for both patients and healthcare professionals.