The Agence nationale des infrastructures numériques et des fréquences (ANINF) in partnership with the Dorcas Foundation recently organized an awareness campaign on pediatric cancers in Libreville, Gabon. The event was part of the "Septembre en Or" (Golden September) campaign, which aims to raise awareness about childhood cancers. The campaign's theme this year was "Voir tôt, agir tôt" (See early, act early). The event brought together participants to discuss the importance of early detection and the warning signs of pediatric cancers.
The campaign aims to educate the public about pediatric cancers, which remain poorly understood in Gabon and Africa. According to Christopher Adiminga, head of the GA department at ANINF, the initiative is a continuation of the Dorcas Foundation's efforts to promote children's health and protection. He emphasized the importance of being well-informed to prevent and act early in cases of pediatric cancers. Adiminga encouraged participants to be attentive to the information provided by specialists and to ask questions to better understand these pathologies.
Joanna Atsame, representative of the Dorcas Foundation, highlighted the importance of collaboration with ANINF in the fight against pediatric cancers. She noted that the "Septembre en Or" campaign is an international effort to raise awareness about childhood cancers. Atsame emphasized that in Gabon and Africa, pediatric cancers are often poorly understood and underdiagnosed. The Dorcas Foundation has been working to raise awareness about pediatric cancers and break the taboo surrounding the disease.
Dr. Ndakissa Maganga épouse Ogandaga Betty, a pediatric oncologist at the Akanda Cancer Institute, presented a paper on the importance of early detection in pediatric cancers. She explained that pediatric oncology is a medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children aged 0-18 years. Unlike some adult cancers, pediatric cancers can progress rapidly and spread within weeks or months. However, the specialist noted that these cancers are generally responsive to treatment, offering a high chance of cure if detected and treated early.
According to Dr. Maganga, the cure rates for pediatric cancers exceed 80% in some high-income countries, while they remain much lower in low-income countries. In Gabon, a study conducted between 2017 and 2022 at the Akanda Cancer Institute reported a four-year survival rate of around 40%. The doctor also highlighted the absence of a national pediatric cancer registry in Gabon. She emphasized the need for improved data collection and reporting to better understand the scope of the problem.
Raïssa Fouty, a mother of a young girl diagnosed with cancer in 2021, shared her experience during the awareness campaign. She described the initial symptoms, including fatigue, sweating, and headaches, which were initially dismissed as a minor problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fouty emphasized the importance of not downplaying unusual signs in children and seeking medical attention quickly if symptoms persist or a lump appears.
The awareness campaign concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, information, and early detection in the management of pediatric cancers. The event aimed to educate the public about the warning signs of pediatric cancers and encourage early action. Key to this effort is the collaboration between ANINF and the Dorcas Foundation, which seeks to improve the health and well-being of children in Gabon.
Key points
- The campaign's theme "Voir tôt, agir tôt" (See early, act early) highlights the importance of early detection and action in pediatric cancer cases.
- Pediatric cancers are often poorly understood and underdiagnosed in Gabon and Africa.
- The cure rates for pediatric cancers exceed 80% in some high-income countries, but remain much lower in low-income countries.
