Mulago Hospital Children's Cancer Ward
Cancer treatment in Uganda is extremely difficult, by Western standards. Late diagnosis is a serious problem, and when this is added to the physical challenge of getting a sick child to the capital, Kampala; the only centre for cancer treatment in Uganda, the problems seem insurmountable. Despite this, the doctors and nurses at Mulago Hospital are doing a wonderful job, in conditions that we would find totally unacceptable, such as intermittent water and electricity supplies.
But even with all these problems, the first requirement to treat children with cancer is for chemotherapy drugs. The families have to pay for all drugs themselves, which is way beyond the means of most of them. If they don’t have the money, they quite simply cannot be treated. Mikwano seeks to provide full courses of chemotherapy for children with cancer, and in the longer term to assist with more training for the nurses and in the provision of other facilities, such as a kitchen providing one meal a day. We saw a small child walking with his mother back up the hill to the hospital, carrying a single egg, and the struggle to find even basic meals would daunt most of us, used to complaining about hospital food.
Mikwano is currently supporting several children to receive complete courses of chemotherapy, and we hope to be able to expand this programme in the future. Unfortunately chemotherapy is very expensive and the needs are so great that any donations will be most gratefully received to help this project.
A course of chemotherapy typically costs around £250, but this can vary hugely from case to case.
Mikwano
Children's Trust
Promoting the well-being of the poor, destitute and orphaned children of Uganda, regardless of their creed, colour or tribe. This is achieved through the provision of financial assistance and advisory support.
