Article written by The Rocking Horse Project.
An estimated 400 000 children and adolescents are diagnosed worldwide each year with cancer. While survival rates exceed 80% in high income countries due to advanced healthcare systems and early diagnosis, survival rates in low and middle income countries, remain below 30%. It was recently shared that since 2016 Eswatini has recorded more than 400 childhood cancer cases with majority being leukemia, lymphomas and solid tumors.
On the 12th February, RHP was invited to the launch of Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation (ECCF). The launch came in time with pairing closely to the International Childhood Cancer Day which is commemorated on 15th February – a day to raise awareness about childhood cancer and support those affected – patients, survivors, and families.
The aim of ECCF is to improve early detection, support access to treatment, provide support (financial, psychosocial and emotional) to the patient and their families as well as promote research funding and advocacy. Their mission is grounded on three pillars: awareness and early detection, access to quality care, and support and survivorship.
Children’s health should be a national priority. It is not a one man show, but one of collaboration of partners – we all have a role to play. No patient and family should ever have to walk this journey alone.
The Patron of the Foundation summarized it clearly and well “Childhood cancer knows no borders, and neither should our compassion or commitment. This is a national responsibility”.
The launch of this Foundation, alongside other partners, ensures that we all provide support to the families as well as each other as working professionals, a need that is often overlooked.
Read more news from The Rocking Horse Project here.
Watch more about the Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation here.
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