Zambia Receives Life-saving Cancer Drugs for Children
By Cecilia Zgambo
Zambia has received drugs for cancer treatment in children, under the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer.
The 200 million dollars initiative is a partnership among Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the Pan-American Health Organisation.
Health Permanent Secretary, KENNEDY LISHIMPI has received the medicines, saying Zambia is one of the first countries from 50 to benefit from the initiative for a period of 5 years.
Dr LISHIMPI has said child cancer in Zambia continues to present challenges particularly due to late diagnosis, limited access to essential medicines and financial constraints that many families face .
And WHO Representative, CLEMENT LASUBA said the drug will increase the surviving rate for children from 20 percent to 70 percent.
Meanwhile,Cancer Diseases Hospital Acting Medical Superintendent, PAUL KAMFWA has said the facility has 45 children in admissions with radiography provision, being the main challenge.
