Childhood cancer rates have been rising significantly for the past few years in the world.
According to World Health Organization, each year, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years are diagnosed with cancer.
Childhood cancer is not only devastating to the general growth and development of children but also their families and friends.
It’s saddening that when a child should be focusing on learning and socialising, if they have cancer their focus and life is only left on medication and endless operations.
As we commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, we should raise support, funding and awareness of childhood cancers.
The government should prioritise childhood cancer at the regional and national levels and increase political commitment to childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Early diagnosis can allow early treatment to prevent the spread of cancerous cells hence survival for many patients.
This can only be possible if the government improves access to affordable and essential medicines and technologies.
Unfortunately, the families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer are undergoing financial ruin and social isolation as a result of cancer care which is too demanding financially and in social attention.
The government should take a step in safeguarding these families by developing high-quality cancer centres and regional satellites to ensure early as well as accurate diagnosis for the effective treatment of children with cancer.
This month everyone should dedicate time and take part in an activity that helps in creating awareness, supporting and raising funds for childhood cancer.
Let’s provides hope to children diagnosed with cancer and build a future in which cancer no longer threatens the lives of our children.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
