Bristol Myers Squibb and World Child Cancer creating an impact for childhood cancer
World Child Cancer collaboration is creating a positive impact for childhood cancer in Ghana and Cameroon with support from Bristol Myers Squibb
For many people, September is a significant month, such as the start of the new academic year. Across the world, September is the official month of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This collaborative campaign takes place internationally to raise awareness on childhood cancer and the global inequalities that exist, as well as celebrate advances in child cancer care and show support for children and young people living with and beyond cancer. A great timing to celebrate that World Child Cancer, with the support from Bristol Myers Squibb, is helping to improve equitable access to treatment for children with cancer in Ghana and Cameroon.
Globally, around 400,000 children get diagnosed with cancer each year. Compared to high-income countries, such as the UK or the USA, where survival rates surpass 80%, certain low- and middle-income countries – who make up the majority of the 400,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year – see survival rates of no more than 20%.
World Child Cancer and Bristol Myers Squibb are jointly contributing to WHO’s Global Childhood Cancer Initiative, whose ambitious goal is to raise global childhood survival rates to 60% by 2030. This initiative aims to fill an important gap: strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals in pediatric oncology in Cameroon and Ghana.
With most forms of childhood cancer being highly curable if detected early, this training equips healthcare workers with the skills to recognize and quickly refer suspected cases. In the past few months, the Early Warning Signs and Symptoms (EWSS) Training has been delivered in Ghana and Cameroon, where 574 healthcare workers now report an improved knowledge of early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. In Ghana, the number of new cancer diagnoses amongst children has increased by over 18% between 2019-2021. This training will further improve increased diagnoses.
Furthermore, we are focusing on deepening the knowledge of oncology nurses and improving the capacity for palliative care in Cameroon. These activities are currently being undertaken and we are confident that the training offered will be greatly beneficial to the children indirectly benefiting from it.
None of this would be possible without the generous grant of $158k from Bristol Myers Squibb, who have enabled the provision of essential pediatric oncology training to healthcare workers in Ghana and Cameroon, thus contributing to improve the chances of survival of children with cancer in the long-term in these countries. Our heartfelt thanks go to Bristol Myers Squibb for making this happen.
For opportunities to create a positive impact for children and families affected by childhood cancer worldwide like Bristol Myers Squibb, please visit here for more information.
Uttam’s Story
Meet Uttam – just one of the 662 children as part of our ‘Closing the Cancer Gap’ appeal, including matched funding from the UK Government.
Read moreAlile’s Story
Discover Alile’s journey through cancer as recounted by her mother, from the initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Read moreNaa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreDiscover More Stories…
Uttam’s Story
Meet Uttam – just one of the 662 children as part of our ‘Closing the Cancer Gap’ appeal, including matched funding from the UK Government.
Read moreAlile’s Story
Discover Alile’s journey through cancer as recounted by her mother, from the initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Read moreNaa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreHassan’s story
14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreTiwo’s story
Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreFranklyn’s Story
Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca’s Success Story
Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read moreMy road to recovery
Prince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
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Meet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
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Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
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Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor
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