In the Democratic Republic of Congo, eight out of ten children can be cured of cancer if they receive early treatment. This was announced by Dr. Karim Assani, a pediatric oncologist at the Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa (CUK), during a colloquium on pediatric cancers held in Kinshasa. The event was organized under the theme "Les cancers de l'enfant se soignent: informons, soutenons, agissons" (Children's cancers can be treated: let's inform, support, and act).
Dr. Assani emphasized that early detection and treatment are crucial in the fight against pediatric cancer. He noted that the CUK and the Cliniques Universitaires de Lubumbashi are the only two health structures in the country that offer multidisciplinary care for children with cancer. The main challenges in addressing this disease in DR Congo include lack of diagnosis, late diagnosis, and abandonment of curative treatment.
According to Dr. Assani, cancer is a reality in DR Congo, affecting all social categories. The most common types of cancer in children are kidney cancer (nephroblastoma), blood cancer (leukemia), lymph node cancer (lymphoma), and eye cancer (retinoblastoma). He urged parents and caregivers to be aware of the warning signs, such as a white spot in the eye, strabismus, abnormal mass, fever, fatigue, and pallor.
The pediatric oncologist highlighted the importance of early diagnosis in reducing treatment costs and increasing chances of cure. He expressed hope due to the commitment of the CUK in reducing treatment costs, the support of the Centre national de lutte contre les cancers (CNLC), and the involvement of eminent professors in medicine and patients through their testimonies.
Professor René Ngiyulu, a pediatric oncologist and president of the forum, revealed that 6,000 cases of cancer are identified every year in DR Congo, and 1,000 of them are treated at the CUK. He called on everyone to support the project of creating a "house and association of parents" to support and accommodate parents engaged in the care of their children.
Christella Mberi, representing the Association Elikya Hope, presented the organization's efforts to support children with cancer in DR Congo. The association has been accompanying 20 children with cancer since 2024 and aims to improve their quality of life, promote early diagnosis, and fight against refusal of care and abandonment of treatment.
The Association Elikya Hope's actions focus on providing consumables, information, and awareness, particularly during the "September in Gold" campaign in DR Congo. The organization's perspectives include improving survival rates, identifying warning signs, establishing protocols, and ensuring comprehensive care. The colloquium was organized by the Association Elikya Hope, under the patronage of Mrs. Claire Wana Yenyi, with the support of Mr. Émilie Ngoy Kasongo, Ambassador of DR Congo to France.
Key points
- Eight out of ten children can be cured of cancer in DR Congo if treated early.
- The main challenges in addressing pediatric cancer in DR Congo include lack of diagnosis, late diagnosis, and abandonment of curative treatment.
- The Association Elikya Hope supports children with cancer and their families, providing medical, social, and human assistance.
