Experts discuss strengthening fight against cancers in children.

The meeting was chaired by the Technical Advisor No.2 at the Ministry of Public Health, Prof Mendimi Nkodo Joseph Marie, who sat in for the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie.

According to experts, one of the key objectives of the gathering was to correct deficiencies found in the current version of the manual. They said the updated document is expected to define clear standards of care, outline therapeutic protocols, and improve coordination among health establishments treating cancers in children.

The revision effort, experts say, is a crucial step toward providing more effective, consistent, and patient-centred care for young cancer patients in the country. 

According to officials from the Ministry of Public Health, one of the main challenges in managing paediatric cancer cases in the country has been the lack of harmonised practices and continuity in treatment. The manual, they said, aims to address these issues by establishing a unified approach to care.

During the session, participants focused not only on the content of the manual but also on strategies to reinforce the care networks that support paediatric oncology. 

Strengthening these networks, they stated, is essential to ensure that children with cancer receive consistent and follow-up care regardless of where they are being treated in the country.

It was equally an opportunity for experts to discuss the importance of training medical staff to handle paediatric cancer cases with greater expertise. 

Given the scarcity of specialised paediatric oncology personnel in many regions, the experts said the implementation of locally adapted treatment protocols and capacity-building efforts will be vital in improving outcomes.

The Technical Advisor No.3 at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Ze Kakanou Florence, insisted on the urgency of finalising the revised manual. 

She gave the working group a one-week deadline, with interviews scheduled to begin as early as Monday, June 2. These interviews, she said, aim to gather final insights and ensure the manual reflects the perspectives and realities on the ground.

According to health experts, the initiative is part of a national strategy to combat childhood cancers, which are increasingly being recognised as a public health priority in the country. 

Sources say despite the limited number of paediatric cancer cases in the country, health authorities have noted a rise in diagnosed cases, particularly leukemia, lymphomas, and kidney tumours.

The revision of the paediatric oncology care manual, they say, is a major milestone in the country’s fight against paediatric cancer. By standardising care and building a stronger network among treatment centres, Cameroon, they added, is positioning itself to offer more hope to affected children and their families.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3462 of Monday June 02, 2025