Supporting children with cancer in Myanmar

Approximately 2,000 children are expected to develop cancer each year in Myanmar. Due to a lack of awareness of childhood cancer, an inability to accurately diagnose cases and the prohibitive cost of transport, the number of newly diagnosed cases is far lower than expected for the country.

We have worked closely with Yangon Children's Hospital (YCH) - the country's main paediatric oncology unit - since 2013 to build their capacity to treat childhood cancer. We have a local Project Coordinator in place and have a current Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health. Our focus is to help children access and remain in treatment, as well as to improve mental health and wellbeing through continuing to support educational activities for children undergoing treatment at YCH.

During September, Cancer Awareness Month, a number of activities were implemented. Families of cancer survivors and those current in treatment led on the event. There were information sessions on the cancer journey, and the role of nutrition in cancer treatment organised by the families and healthcare staff.

The highlight of the past 3 months concerns a severe scarcity of drugs:

• The economic plight and incremental inflation rise have heavily impacted families. There is a severe foreign exchange shortage as a result of which the imported drugs are significantly reduced. Many companies have called off their contractual agreements with the Ministry because they are no longer importing.

• Our two partner hospitals (which are the only dedicated children’s cancer treatment centres in the country) diagnose around 400 – 500 children with cancer annually. The Ministry’s support to paediatric has been reduced, and paediatric oncology has been hit most. Where drugs are available (imported), they are most often sold on black market, hence not reliable, or they are available at very high prices.

Over the last 3 months, WCC Myanmar programme has supported this need by mobilising additional funds to support the partners with drugs cost and also cost associated with pathological investigations.

With support from donors, children in Myanmar will benefit from improved access to treatment and educational activities, improving wellbeing, health, and chances of survival during very turbulent times.

Links:

• World Child Cancer in Myanmar
• Nyan's story