The First International Symposium on Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer in Ethiopia.
The first International Symposium on Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer, organized in collaboration with the Addis Ababa University, Black Lion Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital and INCTR USA, was considered as the first step towards developing a comprehensive pediatric oncology program in Ethiopia. The Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society and INCTR USA provided partial support for the symposium and the nursing workshop. The International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization founded, in 1998, by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the Institute Pasteur in Brussels, and supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD.
From left Prof.Aziza Shad head of the program and Prof D.Cristina Stefan from South Africa, Dr.Amha seated in the middle and far right is Pat Garcia-Gonzalez the Max Foundation.
Left Mr.Wondu Bekele, Ms.Melissa Adde and Mr. Craig Luster from INCTR coordinator of the symposium.
Dr.David Korones Mary Louise Cohen
Partial view of the Symposium.
Pediatricians, medical residents and interns, nurses and pharmacists attended the meeting from different University Hospitals and Institutions in Ethiopia. The meeting program was delivered by an international institutions representing many countries, including U.S.A,Canada,Switzerland,Belgium,Sweden,Israel and other low and middle-income countries like India,Psakistan,South Africa, Tanzania etc that have faced similar challenges confronting Ethiopia when establishing pediatric cancer care programs. Representatives of INCTR’s Clinical Research Program, Oncology Nursing Program, Palliative Access Program and Pediatric Oncology Program were part of the international faculty.
The Ethiopian participants were given an opportunity to present the realities of treating children with cancer in their country and to discuss the many challenges that they face. Panel discussions were held following each session such that there was much interaction among speakers, other faculty members and participants with special attention given to developing appropriate strategies to employ in the context of Ethiopia – given the lack of resources for managing cancer and for providing effective supportive and palliative care. This symposium has generated a great deal of enthusiasm such that a clear strategy for how to further develop and create a center of excellence for pediatric cancer in Ethiopia has emerged.
During the first two days of the symposium, an educational workshop for Ethiopian nurses caring for pediatric cancer patients was held. This educational workshop was organized with support from two members of the committee developing INCTR’s Oncology Nursing Program.
Cancer is not a battle that one can fight and win in isolation and we look forward to the professional, moral and material support of willing individuals and organizations like yours in order to make a difference!