Childhood Cancer

It starts with swelling and pain in the jaw, eyes, face, and abdomen. At first, the symptoms may mimic other health problems, but the disfiguring tumors grow quickly. Within weeks, Burkitt’s Lymphoma can be fatal.

BL is a childhood cancer most commonly found in areas with high concentrations of malaria, and it affects approximately 700 children in Tanzania each year. Though it is aggressive and advances quickly, BL is highly treatable if diagnosed and treated promptly.

IMA has been combating BL in Tanzania for over a decade, primarily by training health workers to promote early detection and by providing the chemotherapy drugs needed to beat BL.

Thanks to this work, thousands of children have been treated and had their health – and lives – restored.

• Train health care workers to properly diagnose and manage cases of BL.
• Provide the appropriate essential chemotherapy drugs to participating hospitals, because they are not on the Tanzania Essential Drugs List and are difficult for hospitals to obtain.
• Provide treatment for children suffering from BL.

• Provided treatment for over 4,500 children.
• Trained over 2,000 health care professionals and students in diagnosis and case management of BL.
• In 2011, received national accreditation with the MOHSW for IMA’s five-day Laboratory Technician Burkitt’s Lymphoma Diagnostic Training.
• In 2009, facilitated the development of the country’s first cancer guidelines – the Burkitt’s Lymphoma National Treatment Guidelines.

Catonsville Presbyterian Church Awards Grant To Support Childhood Cancer Work In Tanzania

Children With Cancer Find Hope At Muhimbili National Hospital In Tanzania