Establishment of a Childhood Cancer Network
Paraguay is one of the poorest countries in South America. The estimated incidence of pediatric cancer is about 300 per year. Oncology care is provided at four centers in Gran Asuncion. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer among children with a survival rates of 50% and abandonment is more than 15%. The health system does not provide comprehensive financial support, therefore, currently 3 non-profit organizations play a vital role.
Main Objectives of the Project
- Plan and implement the National Network for Paediatric Cancer Care in Paraguay (ReNACI)
- Decentralize the management of childhood cancer, implement satellite clinics
- Optimize communication between key shareholders; optimize human/non-human resources
- Encourage early diagnosis through initial and periodic training of health care professionals
- Optimize access to treatment and improve coverage through early referrals
- Decrease rates of abandonment of treatment
- Build governmental awareness of ReNACI and its role in a Pediatric National Program
- Improve the financial support for the health care of children with cancer
- Develop and distribute educational materials to the community at large
Benefits of the Project:
- The regional satellite clinics will reduce the need to travel, avoiding the consequences of leaving other family members and losing jobs; favour treatment compliance, reduce abandonment rates and family disintegration
- For the Healthcare Team: The initial and continuous training of the healthcare team and improved communication with the referral centers will improve early diagnosis and referral rates
- For the community: Improved educational materials; awareness of cancer signs and symptoms
- For the Country: The Network will provide a model to address an important public health issue
Location
Asuncion
