Inside Uganda’s childhood cancer struggle

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s childhood cancer response has made gains in patient support, but many children still reach specialist care late and face barriers that can interrupt treatment. Moses Echedu, executive director of the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation (UCCF), told the publication that some children previously could not rely on a full daily meal while undergoing treatment. He said children under the foundation’s care are now receiving two or three meals a day, a change UCCF believes has helped reduce abandonment linked to hunger.

UCCF, established in 2006, supports children diagnosed with cancer through food, transport, play therapy, advocacy, research and awareness work. According to Echedu, the foundation has assisted more than 3,000 children and trained more than 200 schools on cancer awareness. Its partners include the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Cancer Society, AFRON ETS of Italy, Cancer Kids First, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other organisations. Fundraising includes the Uganda Childhood Cancer Colour Run, monthly donor programmes, dinners and in-kind support.

The Observer reports Echedu’s estimate that Uganda’s overall childhood cancer survival has risen from about 20–25% to around 30%, with hopes of reaching 35–40% in the next year or two. He cited improved equipment for retinoblastoma care at the Uganda Cancer Institute, saying more children are now being identified and some are treated while retaining sight.

Despite progress, late diagnosis remains a major problem. Echedu said some families delay care because of transport costs, visits to traditional healers, reliance on prayer or weak referral at frontline health facilities. He also pointed to government efforts to supply 80% of anti-cancer medicines through the Uganda Cancer Institute, while noting that families still need support with tests, food, travel and accommodation.