On February 15, as the world marked #InternationalChildhoodCancerDay, joined hands with to stand beside children receiving cancer treatment and their families.
It was a day filled with hope, solidarity, and renewed commitment to saving young lives.
Dr. Aimable Kanyamuhunga, Head of the Paediatrics Oncology Program at CHUK, reminded everyone that childhood cancer is treatable, especially when detected early.
He emphasized that early diagnosis remains the key to improving survival rates and transforming fear into stories of resilience and recovery.
This year’s theme, “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change,” resonated deeply with families in attendance.
While progress in treatment and care was acknowledged, parents and caregivers courageously shared the challenges they continue to face, particularly stigma and misunderstanding within communities.
They called for greater awareness, inclusion, and collective responsibility to ensure that children battling cancer receive not only medical care, but also social acceptance and support.
International Childhood Cancer Day was first established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International to raise global awareness about childhood cancer and to advocate for equal access to quality diagnosis, treatment, and care for all children worldwide.
Since then, February 15 has become a powerful global reminder that every child, everywhere, deserves a fair chance to survive and thrive.
