NGO Tasks Gov’t On Early Diagnosis, Treatment Of Childhood Cancers

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, has called on the government to intensify efforts to ensure early diagnosis and access to treatment for children with cancer in Nigeria.

The chief volunteer of the Foundation, Kemi Adekanye, made the appeal during the 2024 official presentation of donations and awards ceremony in commemoration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month held in Abuja on Friday.

She stated that since its inception in 2017, the organisation has supported over 200 children battling cancer, with 40 children receiving direct support in the past year alone. Out of the number, 20 have survived their treatment, reflecting the growing success of the initiative.

She said that despite challenges such as limited funding and low public awareness, which often lead to delayed hospital visits, the NGO remained committed to its mission of saving lives.

Adekanye reported a significant rise in survival rates among children receiving care at three prominent hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — Federal Medical Center Abuja, National Hospital, and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

The NGO revealed that survival rates have jumped from 20% in 2017 to an impressive 50% this year, marking a significant success.

She emphasised the need for government collaboration, calling for greater awareness campaigns and financial support, particularly in subsidising treatment costs.

“We are seeing the impact that intentional government action had on HIV. We need the same focus on childhood cancer,” she said, stressing the importance of expanding efforts nationwide to reach more children in need.

The NGO’s vision, she added, is to extend support to every state in Nigeria, ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against cancer.

Dr. Ozi Okonoho, the head of management at the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, highlighted the significant impact of the Foundation’s support on the survival rates of children battling cancer.

He noted a 50% increase in survival rates for leukaemia patients and a 57% success rate for children treated for retinoblastoma. This improvement underscores the Foundation’s role in reducing child mortality due to cancer within the FCT.

Dr. Okonoho acknowledged the absence of government involvement in their efforts but praised public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations for their support.

He further advocated for the inclusion of pediatric cancer treatment in the national budget, urging the government to make it a priority.

He also emphasised the unpredictability of cancer treatment costs, reinforcing that it remains an expensive endeavour.

Similarly, Dr. Uduak Offiong, a pediatric oncologist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), highlighted the disparity in survival rates between children in low-income countries, including Nigeria, and those in developed nations.

She noted that while survival rates for pediatric cancer in developed countries stand at 80%, in Nigeria, the figure remains a troubling 20%.

Dr. Offiong stressed the importance of early diagnosis in improving outcomes and urged parents and healthcare workers to remain vigilant, paying close attention to persistent symptoms such as prolonged fevers and abnormal swellings.

In addition to raising awareness, Dr. Offiong emphasised the need for government investment in pediatric cancer treatment, advocating for subsidised medication, and increased funding for medical infrastructure.

She praised recent government efforts to increase awareness but emphasised that more must be done to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment in underserved communities.

She encouraged the government to prioritise pediatric cancer in health policies and expand access to life-saving treatments for children across the country.

Also, speaking at the event, a caregiver, Dr. Amina Idris, shared her personal experience of having a child who survived nephroblastoma. “Cancer doesn’t care about religion, economic status, background, or political affiliation. It was not easy, but my child survived by the grace of God and the financial support from the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation,” she said while expressing her gratitude.

Dr. Idris’ testimony highlighted the importance of continued financial and emotional support for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.