On average, 120 children are diagnosed with malignant tumors in Georgia every year. The parents of these childhood cancer patients have identified several issues they face in receiving adequate care, including insufficient and delayed state financing of treatment procedures, a lack of alternative treatment facilities, a lack of rehabilitation and psychological support services, and limited societal awareness about childhood cancers.
In response to these concerns, the NGO Childhood Cancers and Superheroes was formed to increase public awareness of childhood cancers and advocate for more effective planning of state-sponsored treatment and rehabilitation programs.
With support from the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program, the organization has already carried out several advocacy and awareness raising activities. It formed a parent’s club, which meets regularly to strategize on the best ways to address systemic problems, and, more recently, it analyzed public information on childhood cancers statistics and management of treatment processes in Georgia. It has also translated a guidebook by the European Society for Pediatric Oncology to better inform Georgian health professionals about European standards of treatment and care for pediatric cancer patients.
To increase public awareness on childhood cancers, the NGO has been active on social media and held several live discussions and consultations. It is currently calling for volunteers who can support children undergoing active treatment. Interested persons should contact the organization though its Facebook page.
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