This campaign has now closed
BL is endemic to Equatorial Africa where it is the most common cancer in children aged between 5- 9 years (25%-50% of all paediatric cancers). There were an estimated 5400 new cases in Africa in 2002. INCTR is committed to reducing deaths from BL by 30% in 5 years in its treatment centres in Africa.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
BL is easily curable if detected early enough. In developed countries, about 90% of treated BL patients go into remission at induction and 80% are cured. In Africa, the lack of health resources and the cost of treatment are major barriers preventing parents from seeking medical help. Chemotherapy is not enough. Overcrowded wards lead to the spread of infection. The ORCI currently has 45 children sharing 17 beds. Young children die if left untreated and unprotected from contagious diseases.
Solution
INCTR already enjoys good working links with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. INCTR will sponsor experienced doctors to travel to ORCI to provide training and mentorship at ward level. INCTR will also use donations to purchase chemotherapy and antimicrobial drugs for use in treating BL. Annual meetings are held to review each year’s treatment programme and clinical outcomes.