UOD, August 5, 2025 – University Press Office (UNPO) | In a proud moment for the University of Duhok (UOD), a scientific breakthrough by Dr. Hazhmat Abdolkhaliq Ali, professor at the College of Medicine, has garnered global acclaim. After four years of rigorous experimentation and 12 research studies, Dr. Abdolkhaliq and a team of nine international collaborators succeeded in developing a pioneering plant-based treatment capable of killing 95% of HPV-18-infected cervical cancer cells—an unprecedented advancement in oncology.

Watch the full news on this groundbreaking innovation on UOD Website

Global Media Coverage and International Praise

This innovation has not only made headlines across neighboring countries but has also earned the admiration of prominent researchers and cancer institutes in Europe. Dr. Abdolkhaliq's work marks a milestone in translational medicine and is expected to significantly alter treatment strategies for cervical cancer, especially in developing regions.

• Rudaw English Interview – Dr. Hazhmat discussed the research process and global implications of the cervical cancer treatment:
  🔗 Watch on YouTube
  
  
• Kurdistan TV Interview – In this in-depth segment, he shared insights into the clinical stages, challenges, and potential for future treatments:
  🔗 Watch on YouTube
  
  
• K24 Interview – Dr. Hazhmat elaborated on the regional relevance of the findings and the support provided by UOD’s College of Medicine:
  🔗 Watch on YouTube
  

These media features serve not only to honor Dr. Hazhmat's scientific contribution but also to inspire young researchers across Kurdistan and beyond.

Honoring Excellence at UOD

In a ceremony held at the University Convention Center on May 10, 2025, the President of the University of Duhok, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, honored Dr. Abdolkhaliq for his exceptional achievement. UOD President emphasized that this achievement exemplified its vision to transform UOD into a regional hub for scientific excellence, noting that Dr. Hazhmat's work not only elevated the academic standing of the College of Medicine but also offered hope to millions around the world.

The event was attended by the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Lokman Hadi Hassan, and the Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Dildar Haji Musa, reflecting the institution’s strong support for groundbreaking research and international recognition of academic excellence.

Scientific Roots: A Rare Plant with Exceptional Properties

The research centers on a bioactive compound extracted from a rare plant—Centrapalus Pauciflorus—primarily located in Africa. The compound not only demonstrated a 95% elimination rate of HPV-18-infected cervical cancer cells, but also showed promising effects on other cancer types, highlighting its potential as a broader-spectrum treatment.

International Collaboration with Hungary

This advancement is the result of a collaborative research initiative between the University of Duhok and nine researchers from the University of Szeged in Hungary. The drug was tested and refined at Szeged’s advanced biomedical laboratories. Dr. Abdolkhaliq revealed that the plant might also grow in parts of Kurdistan, raising hopes for local sourcing and production in the near future.

Aligned with UOD’s Strategic Vision

The development aligns closely with UOD’s Strategic Vision 2023–2038 and the university’s commitment to scientific innovation, global research collaboration, and contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Next Steps: Toward Clinical Trials and Real-World Application

Dr. Abdolkhaliq emphasized that preparations are underway to enter the clinical trial phase, with plans to partner with pharmaceutical firms and cancer centers to validate the treatment’s effectiveness in patient populations. If successful, the drug could revolutionize cancer care by offering a cost-effective alternative to current treatments and provide a new medical protocol for cervical and other cancers.

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University Press Office – August 5, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

The News Keywords:

• Cervical Cancer Treatment
  
  
• Dr. Hazhmat Abdolkhaliq
  
  
• University of Duhok Research
  
  
• Plant-Based Cancer Therapy
  
  
• International Scientific Recognition