Improve cancer care for 250 children in Malawi

Dear Supporters.

Wold Child Cancer (WCC) has now been working with the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi since 2009. Through a twining partnership between the University Medical Centre in Amsterdam and the Victoria Royal Infirmary in the UK, valuable knowledge, expertise and skills have been exchanged. In addition, treatment costs, equipment, and parent support – such as transport costs and follow up expenses - have been provided.

Earlier this month Liz and myself spent the week in Malawi with George Chagaluka and his team. As the end of a 5 year funding cycle approached, the aim of the visit was design a new model of support for the next 5 years. By identifying  successes and challenges, priority areas were highlighted for the coming years. Time was spent with patients and their families to ensure appropriate support would be directed accordingly.

Meetings were organised with a number of different stakeholders including the Director of QECH to build relationships and increase support. Case studies were collected from dedicated ward staff, patients and their parents.

In addition, the trip nicely coincided with a Deutsche Bank trek to Mount Mulanji. 15 staff from the bank dedicated their time complete the challenging trek in support of children with Cancer. Liz and myself spent the evening with the trekkers to explain the issues surrounding childhood cancer and describing the partnership with the ward in Blantyre.

Thanks to all those who were involved in the visit and to the trekkers who put themselves through their passes!

World Child Cancer would also like to thank all those who have so kindly suppoorted the work in Malawi over the years. Your kind contributions have made real progress possible.

Best wishes,