Child cancer guidelines launched

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke, Harare Bureau

Zimbabwe has launched the National Childhood Cancer treatment guidelines that will help improve early detection, treatment, and overall care.

The guidelines, which were launched during the commemorations of the International Childhood Cancer Day in Harare last week, are in fulfilment of the World Health Organisation Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (WHO-GICC) which seeks to increase childhood cancer survival rates in Africa to 60 per cent by 2030.

They are one of the 10 Cure-All technical packages supported by WHO-GICC for countries to define national standards and guidelines for six index cancers, including Acute leukemia, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, low-grade glioma, Wilms tumour, and retinoblastoma.

Permanent Secretary of Health and Child Care who was represented by acting deputy director in the Non-Communicable Diseases department, Mr Lee Nkala said Government was committed to ensuring that the targets of the WHO-GICC were met.

“We have seen the disparity and we’ve also noted what is expected of us to achieve the 60 per cent survival rates as a nation. Like any other country, we are facing challenges but we also try to overcome those challenges. We pride ourselves for developing the National Childhood Oncology Guidelines. We are inspired to act now, and I see this commitment reflected in the unity of all stakeholders and partners. This collaboration between the Government, the Ministry and families highlights the crucial role of all stakeholders in the prevention, care, management and education surrounding childhood cancers,” he said.

He commended the technical and financial support given to the country towards the drafting of the guidelines. He expressed the Government’s commitment to allocating resources to cushion out-of-pocket expenses for citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities.

According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, 263 paediatric cancers between the ages of 0 and 14 were registered in 2019. These cancers constituted 13.7 percent of all the cancers recorded in that year. The five most common cancers for children were leukemia, which constituted about 18 per cent, renal tumours (13 percent), retinoblastoma (six percent), lymphomas (13 percent) and central nervous system tumours, which accounted for 10 percent of cases.

Paediatric oncologist and GICC Zimbabwe focal person, Dr Loice Hlatshwayo said the guidelines aimed to define Zimbabwe’s national standards and guidelines for diagnosing and treating the cancers.

“The first two chapters aim to strengthen early diagnosis, treatment and management of oncological emergencies before transferring to a hospital or stabilising the patient before transferring to a hospital. The rest of the chapters are guidelines for the management of the six index cancers,” she said.

In addition, she said the guidelines were designed to provide cancer treatment for all children, everywhere, regardless of local resources.

Approximately 90 per cent of the estimated 400 000 children that are diagnosed with cancer annually across the globe reside in low and middle income countries.

While survival rates for children with cancer in developed countries stands at 80 percent, in low- and middle-income countries like Zimbabwe, only about 20 percent of children with cancer survive.

WHO Zimbabwe national professional officer Dr Precious Andifasi said care for cancer reflected many inequities and inequalities that exist in society and their devastating impact on children.

“Now that we have the national guidelines in place let us focus on increasing access to quality health services for children with cancer, universal health coverage and integration of childhood cancer services, regimens optimised for delivery of quality diagnostic and treatment services and robust health information systems that are fundamental to planning cancer control.”Survivors of cancer highlighted the devastating impact of childhood cancers.

Ms Zinzile Mlalazi, from Bulawayo, has been in Harare since December 11, 2024, with her five-year-old son, Unamandla, who was diagnosed with leukemia.

“I took him to the doctor when he had a persistent dry cough, difficulty breathing, and extreme fatigue. After an FBC test, the doctor found abnormalities in his white blood cell count, leading to a leukaemia diagnosis.”

Unamandla is currently on his second cycle of chemotherapy at Parirenyatwa Hospital, attending sessions Monday to Thursday.

“Chemo has taken a toll on him — he lost his appetite, struggled to eat, and lost weight. A new drug caused vomiting, making it even tougher. But he’s soldiering through.”

Mlalazi urged caregivers to monitor their children’s health closely and seek medical help promptly, warning that relying on traditional or alternative treatments could be life-threatening. She expressed gratitude to KidzCan for providing medication, meals, accommodation, and transport for Unamandla’s treatment.

Fadzai Manana (25), a cancer survivor, fell ill at 13.

Initially misdiagnosed with tuberculosis in Rusape, her condition worsened until a biopsy confirmed Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She underwent 12 cycles of chemotherapy at Parirenyatwa’s A4 special ward.Fadzai said she faced many physical, emotional, social and spiritual challenges that included losing all her hair, losing weight, excruciating pain as well as losing connection with her peers in various social spheres. Even her church leaders thought she was possessed by a demon and would try to cast it out at any given opportunity.

Seven years cancer-free, Fadzai now volunteers as a social worker with KidzCan, dedicating her life to supporting children battling cancer.

KidzCan Zimbabwe board member Reverend Gary Cross said there was need for continuous efforts to reach set targets.

“This is an ambitious yet achievable goal. One that requires all of us to work together. Together, we must strengthen our advocacy for policies that ensure sustainable funding for childhood cancer treatment. We must encourage research and innovation to improve the health of children. 

“We must improve survival outcomes. And we need to expand our partnerships to enhance service delivery and ensure no child is left behind,” he said.