CHILDHOOD CANCER GIVEN PROMINENCE

FIRST Lady Esther Lungu has lauded the continued fight against childhood cancers, as it is claiming young lives globally, Zambia inclusive.

80% of global cancer statistics are recorded in developing countries like Zambia hence the concern to raise awareness.

Mrs. Lungu made the pledge during the commemorations of the 2017 International Childhood Cancer Day organized by Kayula Childhood Cancer Foundation with support from Ministry of Health.

Zambia joined the global campaign “Together for Kids with Cancer” showcased at a colorful Musical Concert which pulled together children from various schools in Lusaka. The pupils aired their solidarity to children with cancer through music, poems, sketches and dances.

The First Lady stressed that all children are the future, as such they should, regardless of status in life, have the right to proper care.

“We need to do more and care more for children with childhood cancer” she said
The First Lady called upon the public to take good care of cancer patients from diagnosis, treatment and continued care for children with cancer.

“Whilst the doctors are giving them the medical attention, we too need to give them the social attention they need.”

Mrs. Lungu counseled that children with cancer should not be looked down upon as nonentities adding that they should as well be respected and given the deserved attention.

In addition, she appealed to all stakeholders to take this as a personal task in order to find a lasting solution to the challenge. “We are all affected” she said.

“I am personally interested and involved in this fight and will support the cause in any way possible including financially and materially” she added

And Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has since reaffirmed government’s roadmap to fight the plight for childhood cancer.

Dr. Chilufya lauded the demonstrated commitment by the first family for the good health of the people of Zambia.

“Childhood cancer is a growing public health concern and is claiming lives globally, Zambia included” he said “It is, therefore, important that we unite to combat cancer.”

He said that Cancer could surely be prevented by avoiding certain risk factors adding that in Zambia, the cancer control program is premised on a strong screening and early detection program.

“Childhood cancers have their own peculiarities and it is therefore imperative that we strengthen our school health and community programs”

Dr. Chilufya further revealed that government has decentralized cancer treatment to Ndola Central Hospital on the Copperbelt and Livingston Central Hospital in Southern Provinces.

Meanwhile, Cancer Control Director Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi shared a testimony of a cancer survivor who received treatment and care and was released to go back to school where he performed amazingly.

He said that it was surprising to see the named boy defy all odds and score 440 marks at grade nine examinations and was subsequently enrolled to a technical school.

Kayula Childhood Cancer Foundation is the only organization in the country housing children with cancer and caregivers during treatment. The Non-Governmental Organization was established in 2012 and is since housing over sixty children currently.