Increasing the Survival Rates of Children with Cancer Through Community-Based Interventions

February 15, 2022
Ruth Mapara
Director, ECGP
The ELMA Philanthropies

The World Health Organization reports that pediatric cancer medicines are available in only 29% of low-income countries, compared to 96% of high-income countries. Less than 30% of children with cancer in low-income countries are cured of the disease compared to more than 80% in high-income countries.

Across Africa, a lack of comprehensive, national pediatric oncology services including specialized trained personnel, adequate laboratory facilities and drug supplies, and specialized pediatric oncology service providers, compromises the treatment and care of children with cancer.

In Uganda and Zimbabwe, multiple community-based organizations supported by The ELMA Community Grants Program (ECGP) are working to fill gaps in pediatric oncology services to increase the survival rates of children with cancer. These organizations work closely with central hospitals to ensure children receive specialized services including diagnostic and treatment support. They assist families to better care for their children and raise awareness on childhood cancer and the importance of early detection through local campaigns aimed at healthcare providers, caregivers, and families.

Available pediatric oncology services in Uganda and Zimbabwe are generally located in capital cities, making it cost-prohibitive for families living in rural areas to access the services their children need due in part to long and expensive commutes. These community-based organizations make access to treatment possible by providing meals, drugs, housing, and transportation to hospitals.

The following ECGP partners are leading supporters of children with cancer and the families who care for them:

Bless a Child Foundation (Uganda) addresses the inadequate access to medical care and support for pediatric cancer patients in Uganda, where there are high incidences of pediatric cancers and blood disorders. Bless a Child Foundation provides treatment, palliative, and psychosocial care to young cancer patients and their caregivers. They also provide accommodation for children and their caregivers who live far from the hospital while they undergo treatment. The organization is one of the few in Uganda that provides such services to children and has supported over 6,000 children to date.

Kawempe Home Care (KHC) (Uganda) provides access to oncology services by paying for medical and transportation costs, and accommodation at its New Hope Children’s Hostel. In 2021, they cared for 156 children at the hostel, providing comprehensive palliative care for children diagnosed with cancer, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care. Based on their experience, KHC regularly shares learnings on their website highlighting good practices in the care of children with cancer.

Kidzcan, Children’s Cancer Relief (Zimbabwe) provides chemotherapy drugs, diagnostics services, and psychosocial care to over 500 children annually who are living with cancer and blood disorders. In a country where the cost of pediatric cancer treatment is beyond the financial reach of most families, Kidzcan is helping to reduce costs and improve the quality of life for children. By promoting early detection and treatment, they are minimizing advanced illness and increased costs associated with late referrals.