The closing ceremony of the “Gold September” campaign in Dakar on Wednesday was marked by a call from Yaayou Tidiane for the establishment of a National Paediatric Oncology Centre and sustained efforts to strengthen cancer care for children in Senegal.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the campaign, Yaayou Tidiane President Dieynaba Kane called on the authorities and other stakeholders to make the fight against childhood cancer part of a structured national strategy that goes beyond occasional solidarity initiatives.
“Childhood cancer cannot and must no longer depend solely on charity or luck,” she said, calling for continuous access to care and treatment for children with cancer.
The association highlighted the need to ensure the availability of essential cancer medicines and strengthen access to care for vulnerable families. It also called for improved hospitalisation conditions, including child-friendly spaces that would allow children, as far as possible, to maintain an environment conducive to play and learning throughout their treatment.
The situation of caregivers, particularly mothers, was also raised. Dieynaba Kane, whose association is named after her child, who died of cancer, spoke about the difficulties faced by some families during prolonged hospital stays.
At the heart of the advocacy campaign is the creation of a National Paediatric Oncology Centre bringing together the various components of childhood cancer care, including diagnosis, medical imaging, specialised surgery, chemotherapy, supportive care and psychosocial support.
“Let us give them the tools. Let us give them the infrastructure. Let us give our children the same chances of recovery,” the association’s president told policymakers.
According to the association, the project should also include professional training, research and expanded medical cooperation to help improve the management of paediatric cancers.
The ceremony also paid tribute to doctors, nurses, social workers and other healthcare professionals involved in caring for children with cancer. The association praised their commitment despite the difficulties encountered in healthcare facilities.
Dieynaba Kane also thanked partner companies, donors and volunteers who have helped provide care for children from disadvantaged families, including by funding medical tests, hospital stays and medical procedures.
Through the advocacy campaign, Yaayou Tidiane hopes that efforts to address childhood cancer will continue beyond September and lead to a national strategy based on adequate resources, specialised infrastructure and equitable access to care.
“Gold September ends tonight. Our commitment, however, must never stop,” Dieynaba Kane stressed.
TE/Sf/lb/as/APA