By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The World Health Organization, WHO, has warned that by 2050 , Africa is most likely to bear the burden of 50% global Childhood cancer if urgent and bold interventions is not taken.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr.Matshidiso Moeti disclosed this in a message to commemorate the 2023 World Cancer Day in Africa with the theme, “Close the care Gap: Uniting our voices and taking action.”
Moeti stated that statistics have shown that childhood cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at 56.3 per million population.
“With significant data challenges, childhood cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at 56.3 per million population. Current projections show that Africa will account for nearly 50% of the global childhood cancer burden by 2050.”
Current projections show that Africa will account for nearly 50% of the global childhood cancer burden by 2050, compelling expeditious efforts to confront this concern, she emphasized.
Citing the case of a young girl from Rwanda, the child of an indigent farmer who was eventually got treatment from an oncologist that saved her life.
She noted that the 2023 campaign summons like-minded people like to be united as we build stronger alliances and new innovative collaborations in the fight against cancer.
Moeti called on parents have the responsibility to ensure their eligible daughters receive HPV vaccines.
She further called on Governments to develop/update national cancer control plans, provide sustainable financing and invest in cancer registration.
