Improve Diagnosis and Treatment for Childhood Cancers
Paediatric Oncology services in Pakistan have been improving over the last few years. In During the last decade the numbers of pediatric cancer treatment centers has increased to 13, but they are all in the five major cities. There are only six fully trained Pediatric Oncologists and six locally trained Pediatricians to care for children with cancer. Diagnostic facilities have improved and many children are now treated with protocols adopted from Europe and North America. Most anticancer drugs, antibiotics, growth factors and blood products are available. Though progress is being made, the status of childhood cancer on the national level is far from satisfactory and its magnitude remains undefined. Since Pakistan lacks a national childhood cancer registry, most data on childhood cancer comes from hospital based data or data from IARC registries in selected cities. Lack of trained personnel, specialized units, and the distance from treatment centers are among the major obstacles to proper diagnosis and treatment.
Main Objectives of the Project
- Training for pediatricians on early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer, treatment modalities available, the concept of multi-disciplinary approach, and practical knowledge of procedures and management of pediatric oncology emergencies.
- Training for nurses on the basic principles of oncology nursing, administration of chemotherapy, infection control strategies, and how to participate meaningfully in overall optimal care of pediatric cancer.
Benefits of the Project
- Several pediatric oncology training workshops for pediatricians and nurses; including hands on training at the Children Cancer Hospital
- Sindh and Balochistan provinces concentrate six of the most visited cancer treatment centers in the country
- Improvement the overall care of children with cancer
