Experts push investment in childhood cancer care

The 16th Biennial Congress of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Africa Continental Congress, co-hosted by The Dorcas Cancer Foundation and the Nigeria Society of Pediatric Oncology, held in Lagos, has highlighted the need for increased funding and investment in childhood cancer care across Africa. The conference, which drew clinicians, researchers, policymakers, development partners […]

The 16th Biennial Congress of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Africa Continental Congress, co-hosted by The Dorcas Cancer Foundation and the Nigeria Society of Pediatric Oncology, held in Lagos, has highlighted the need for increased funding and investment in childhood cancer care across Africa.

The conference, which drew clinicians, researchers, policymakers, development partners and global health institutions, emphasised the need for increased funding, scalable healthcare models and strategic partnerships to improve survival outcomes and unlock long-term socio-economic benefits.

Chair of the Scientific Committee, Dr. Adedayo Joseph, said the congress provides a platform for aligning scientific innovation with sustainable healthcare delivery models tailored to African realities.

“We are focusing on African data because we often import data from outside the continent and try to apply it here. This meeting brings together not just scientists, but funders, partners and policymakers working to improve childhood cancer survival,” she said.

She noted that beyond clinical discussions, the conference is exploring the role of digital technology, including artificial intelligence, in improving diagnostics, treatment efficiency and data management in building cost-effective health systems.

President of the Nigeria Society of Pediatric Oncology and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Adesheye Akinsete, said the growing recognition of pediatric cancer within Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan signals a shift toward structured investment in the sector.

“One of the benefits of hosting this conference is that it signals to the government and stakeholders that we are ready to partner and improve outcomes for Nigerian children,” he said.

Akinsete highlighted the stark disparity in survival rates between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, noting that while survival exceeds 90 per cent in developed economies, it remains between 20 and 30 per cent in countries like Nigeria.

He said bridging this gap requires coordinated investments in infrastructure, workforce development, access to medicines and diagnostics, as well as the adoption of innovative technologies.

“Artificial intelligence is already being integrated into diagnosis, data management and treatment monitoring. It has the potential to significantly improve efficiency and outcomes in our healthcare system,” he added.

He disclosed that early gains from the conference include the approval of a new diagnostic initiative expected to benefit at least 2,000 Nigerian children, reducing diagnostic timelines from weeks to 48 hours, an advancement expected to improve treatment success rates and reduce long-term costs.

Also speaking, Dr. Nickhill Bhakta of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital said global health stakeholders are increasingly recognising childhood cancer care as both a public health priority and an economic investment.

“Childhood cancer is curable, but the challenge is ensuring equitable access to care worldwide. Initiatives like the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines are expanding access to treatment,” he said.

Bhakta emphasised that investing in childhood cancer care yields measurable economic returns.

“Every child saved contributes decades of productive life to the economy. It is not just healthcare spending; it is an investment that pays back multiple times,” he said.

In her remarks, South African pediatric oncologist, Dr. Jennifer Geel, pointed to systemic funding gaps and access barriers as key constraints limiting outcomes across African markets.

“While up to 80 per cent of childhood cancers are curable with existing treatments, many African countries record survival rates as low as 20 per cent due to late diagnosis, high treatment costs and limited access to care,” she said.

Geel noted that sustainable financing models, including government-backed health insurance and increased public health spending, are critical to improving access and outcomes.

“These conferences are important because they bring stakeholders together to develop solutions that are practical, scalable and suited to African healthcare systems,” she added.