A festival dubbed "September in Gold" was recently held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to raise awareness about childhood cancer and collect funds to support victims of the disease. The event was organized to educate the public about the importance of early detection and treatment of childhood cancer. According to the Congolese press agency, the festival aimed to mobilize the population, healthcare workers, and authorities to take collective action against the disease.
The coordinator of the Noah Foundation, Guy-André Mandjumba, emphasized the importance of early detection in treating childhood cancer. He stated that if the disease is detected early, the chances of recovery are 95%. Mandjumba also highlighted that the foundation's goal is to support children with cancer and provide psychological and material support to their families. The Noah Foundation was established in 2018 by Joly Pyame after her son Noah contracted leukemia.
Mandjumba noted that childhood cancer is a significant problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a lack of information and awareness among the population. He warned that if efforts are not made to address the issue, the country will face a major crisis in 15 to 20 years. The coordinator also listed some warning signs that parents should be aware of, including persistent fever, unexplained crying, and changes in the child's general state.
The Noah Foundation has set up several initiatives to support children with cancer, including the creation of a solidarity pharmacy for anticancer products and a home for parents whose children are receiving treatment. Mandjumba also called for the integration of childhood cancer care into the national healthcare program. The foundation has three branches in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and North Kivu.
Childhood cancer is a significant problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with five common types of cancer affecting children, including leukemia, nephroblastoma, and lymphoma. The country's healthcare system faces significant challenges in providing care and treatment to children with cancer. The Noah Foundation is working to address these challenges and provide support to families affected by the disease.
The "September in Gold" festival was an opportunity for the Noah Foundation to raise awareness and collect funds to support its activities. The foundation relies on donations and support from the public to continue its work. Mandjumba expressed his gratitude to the public for their support and encouraged them to continue raising awareness about childhood cancer.
The Noah Foundation's efforts to raise awareness about childhood cancer and provide support to families affected by the disease are crucial in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country's healthcare system needs to be strengthened to provide adequate care and treatment to children with cancer. The foundation's work is a step in the right direction towards addressing the challenges posed by childhood cancer in the country.
Key points
- The Noah Foundation is working to raise awareness about childhood cancer and provide support to families affected by the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Early detection and treatment of childhood cancer can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
- The Noah Foundation is calling for the integration of childhood cancer care into the national healthcare program in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
