KUCHING: A three-year campaign has been launched to raise awareness about the vital role of community involvement in addressing challenges associated with childhood cancer.
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) is proud to be part of the campaign launched by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Childhood Cancer International (CCI) for International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed annually on Feb 15.
This year marks the inception of the three-year campaign aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges encountered by childhood cancer patients, caregivers, survivors, healthcare professionals, and researchers globally.
The campaign will progress through phases, starting with Unveiling Challenges (2024), Inspiring Action (2025), and Demonstrating Impact (2026), with evolving objectives to remain responsive to needs.
In acknowledgment of the dedication and sacrifices made by families and carers, SCCS organised engagement activities with childhood cancer patients and families at the Sarawak General Hospital here on Wednesday (Feb 14).
CCI and SCCS President Rodney Wong emphasised the significance of ICCD in highlighting the numerous challenges faced by children, adolescents, and their families battling childhood cancer.
“ICCD is a great opportunity to join our many voices to not only raise awareness of the many significant challenges and obstacles faced by children, adolescents and their families in childhood cancer but to advocate for change, to promote solutions and to generate new initiatives towards real improvements with tangible impact,” he said in a statement.
Managing Director of CCI Europe, Carina Schneider will lead the campaign for the next three years.
“CCI and SIOP advocate for a world where the inequalities and challenges faced by children with cancer are comprehensively understood and addressed by political leaders, decision-makers, social influencers, healthcare professionals, and the community at large,” she said.
“Every child with cancer deserves equitable access to healthcare.”
Aligned with the theme of “Unveiling Challenges” for 2024, SCCS launched a week-long digital campaign focusing on the hurdles faced by patients and families in accessing treatment across Sarawak.
Throughout their week-long digital campaign, SCCS detailed logistical challenges from several patients and their caregivers hailing from other parts of Sarawak outside of Kuching, documenting their journey of leaving home for prolonged periods to access life-saving cancer treatments at Sarawak General Hospital.
Some of these families have even been separated for over six months.
Additionally, over 20 families participated in a physical arts and crafts activity, symbolising support, hope, and appreciation through handprint drawings hung on a tree.
Through this awareness campaign, SCCS aims to illuminate the arduous journey of childhood cancer experienced by patients and their families, fostering greater understanding and support in the community.
Those interested in contributing to or engaging in corporate social responsibility projects can reach out to SCCS via phone at 082-686276, Facebook @sccsmy, or email em1@sccs.org.my for more information.
