Cancer treatment is a challenging and expensive process, and for children in Uganda, the hidden costs associated with it often lead to treatment abandonment. According to a report in 2021, approximately one in three children with cancer in Uganda gave up on their treatment due to the high costs involved in transportation and accommodation. This news sheds light on the story of 14-year-old Dorcas Cherop, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2020. Coming from a family of farmers in the eastern region of Kapchorwa, Dorcas and her family faced significant challenges in accessing the necessary medical care in the capital city of Kampala.
The high costs of transportation and accommodation for frequent visits to the hospital became a burden for Dorcas’ family. As peasants earning less than $3 a month, they struggled to afford the expenses of the treatment. Dorcas’ aunt, Stella Chepchirir, described the family’s hardships, including running out of money and witnessing Dorcas’ pain during the seven-hour journey to Kampala. Unfortunately, Dorcas’ situation is not uncommon in Uganda, where many children with cancer come from rural areas and face similar obstacles in accessing treatment.
Dr Joyce Balagadde-Kambugu, the head of paediatric oncology at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), highlighted the issue of treatment abandonment. Due to the financial constraints faced by families, the institute has seen a treatment abandonment rate of around 50% each year. This alarming statistic means that out of approximately 1,000 cancer patients admitted to the UCI annually, only about 300 complete their treatment. Dr Balagadde-Kambugu explained that most cancer treatments involve regular chemotherapy, requiring patients to stay in Kampala for extended periods.
To address the challenges faced by children with cancer and their families, a collaboration has emerged between the UCI’s paediatric cancer unit and the Bless a Child Foundation (BCF). BCF is a charity that provides free shelter and support to children with cancer during their treatment. Initially offering accommodation for up to 10 children in Kampala, BCF has expanded to four homes in different locations across Uganda. Each home can accommodate about 100 children and one caregiver, providing them with meals, education, psycho-social support, and transportation to and from hospitals on treatment days.
The impact of BCF’s initiative has been significant, with the treatment abandonment rate dropping to 9% in the last year. While it cannot be definitively attributed to BCF’s shelter, Dr Balagadde-Kambugu believes it has played a role in improving access to care. For Dorcas, the foundation has been life-changing, allowing her to receive the necessary treatment without the burdens of accommodation and transportation expenses. She expressed her gratitude to the foundation for giving her a new lease on life.
The success of BCF’s initiative highlights the importance of addressing the hidden costs associated with cancer treatment in low-income communities. By providing free shelter and support services, organizations like BCF make a significant impact on improving access to care for children with cancer in Uganda. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all children have equal opportunities for successful treatment outcomes. The government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure and support systems to alleviate the financial burdens faced by patients and their families.
Additionally, raising awareness about the challenges faced by children with cancer and advocating for policy changes to address these issues is crucial. Education campaigns can help communities understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment adherence, while also highlighting the need for financial assistance and support services. Increased funding for cancer research and treatment facilities can further contribute to improving outcomes and reducing treatment abandonment rates.
Overall, while Dorcas’ story brings attention to the struggles faced by children with cancer in Uganda, it also highlights the positive impact that organizations like BCF can have on improving access to care. By addressing the hidden costs and providing essential support services, these initiatives pave the way for a brighter future for children battling cancer in Uganda.
