Abuja:Calls for early detection, increased awareness, and financial support for children battling cancer have been renewed by stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and affordable treatment to improve survival rates.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this appeal was made during the 10th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk organized by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Step by Step: We Rewrite the Story for Children Fighting Cancer,’ was held simultaneously across 10 cities in Nigeria and the United Kingdom under the initiative ’10 Cities. 1 Mission.’
Dr. Oyesakin Adewunmi, a Consultant Paediatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, highlighted that the hospital has managed over 30 childhood cancer cases, with some survivors returning to school and others attending universities. She stressed the importance of early diagnosis and completing treatment for successful outcomes, pointing out that many people mistakenly believe cancer only affects adults.
Dr. Adewunmi emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and non-governmental organizations to ensure children with cancer receive complete treatment. She noted that public awareness could facilitate early diagnosis, which significantly improves outcomes, although the financial burden remains a significant challenge.
Dr. Kemi Adekanye, Founder and Chief Volunteer of OkapiCCF, stated that the foundation has supported over 300 children with various forms of cancer over the past decade. This support includes paying medical bills, providing psychosocial support, educational scholarships, and economic empowerment for some parents. She appealed for government subsidies to reduce treatment costs, noting that families currently pay out of pocket for all expenses.
Mrs. Adebayo Glory, the mother of a childhood cancer survivor, shared her experience of the emotionally and financially exhausting journey of caring for her daughter. She urged for more support from the government, NGOs, and the public, expressing gratitude to OkapiCCF and medical professionals for their support and calling for expanded support for children living with cancer. She also expressed sympathy for parents who have lost children to the disease, hoping no family would endure such a loss again.