Reducing child mortality in Malawi whilst increasing wellbeing and quality of life

In Malawi, only a quarter of the 1,100 children estimated to develop cancer each year will survive. Poor awareness of symptoms resulting in low referral rates, misdiagnosis, and late diagnosis in addition to a paucity of high-quality childhood cancer services and support for families are the main factors for low survival rates. Through this two-year project, we seek to address these factors. We will deliver training on the early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and referral routes to health workers across Malawi, which will increase numbers of children referred for treatment, and earlier when their cancer is more treatable. We will strengthen the quality of treatment and care at the country’s main treatment centre, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) by training medics there, with the support of experienced paediatric oncologists from our partner, the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. We will also strengthen the paediatric oncology department at QECH to support families, improve wellbeing and reduce treatment abandonment by integrating psychosocial support in to the care package for children. The package will include transport grants, follow up visits and support from a play therapist.