Bangladesh 2012-2017

Between 2012-2017 World Child Cancer supported a network of healthcare centres in Bangladesh to improve early diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer.

Programme Centre

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) - Bangladesh

Twinning Centres

University College Hospital (UCH) - London, UK

British Columbia Children's Hospital - Vancouver, Canada

Medical Leads

Prof Afiqul Islam

Prof Yakub Jamal

Twinning Leads

Dr Sara Stoneham & Dr Maria Michaelagnoli, UCLH

Dr Paul Rogers & Mary Lou Hurley, BCCH

Start Date

June 2012

Impact
Background
Problems
Key Activities

BSMMU is on its way to becoming a centre of excellence and has been supporting a network of six healthcare centres throughout the country for the last three years. The focus has been on providing curative treatment for the curable and effective palliative care for the children with cancer who are too advanced or difficult to treat. The purpose of the network is to extend access to diagnosis, treatment and care to a larger population of children across a greater geographical area, thereby helping to reduce poverty and inequality.

A lack of reliable data and research on child cancer in Bangladesh
Late diagnosis, with children presenting with very advanced symptoms
A lack of access to and funding for drugs
Refusal and abandonment of treatment, often due to the financial burden
A lack of awareness about the problem of childhood cancer

Training for healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and administrators
A well-coordinated network of childhood cancer centres in Bangladesh
An effective childhood cancer database for each centre
Campaigns and awareness raising materials for professionals and the public
A consistent supply of curative and palliative care drugs
A support system for local support groups and fundraisers
Regular contact with ministers and policymakers

Improved understanding of childhood cancer among healthcare professionals
A well-coordinated network of paediatric cancer centres
Improved collection of accurate childhood cancer data
Increased understanding among the public of the signs and curability of childhood cancer
Reduced abandonment of treatment by families due to cost of medicine and care
Increased capacity for local fundraising
Increased engagement of officials in service improvement