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Happy Children

CHALLENGES OF PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY IN AFRICA

Many children in Africa do not complete their cancer treatment due to financial constraints, long distances, lack of transportation.

By 2050, almost 50% of the global cancer burden in children younger than 15 years will be in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, only six countries have established and verified cancer registries, which account for approximately 5.1% of the child population. Additionally, specialized training in pediatric oncology is only available in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana.

The provision of comprehensive care is hindered by the limited availability of essential resources such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, and supportive care, including palliative therapy. These challenges are particularly pronounced in areas affected by conflicts.

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