Paediatric oncology specialists have raised fresh concerns over the low survival rates of childhood cancer in Africa, warning that outcomes remain sharply below global standards despite medical advances and growing awareness efforts.
The warning was issued during the 16th Biennial Conference of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Africa Continental Congress, co-hosted in Lagos by The Dorcas Cancer Foundation and the Nigeria Society of Paediatric Oncology.
Health experts at the event highlighted a persistent survival gap, noting that while more than 80% of children with cancer survive in high-income countries, survival rates in many African and other low- and middle-income countries remain below 30%.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents aged between 0 and 19 years are diagnosed with cancer annually. The agency also noted that avoidable deaths remain high due to late diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment delays, and limited access to essential medicines.
WHO data further shows a stark inequality in access to treatment, with only 29% of low-income countries reporting consistent availability of cancer medicines, compared to 96% in high-income nations.
Speaking at the conference, the President of the Nigeria Society of Paediatric Oncology, Dr Adeseye Akinsete, described survival rates in Nigeria and similar settings as still critically low, despite gradual improvements.
He noted that survival in high-income countries can reach about 90%, while in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, it remains between 20% and 30%.
Akinsete said efforts are underway to improve outcomes through collaboration, research, and better treatment strategies tailored to African health systems, adding that artificial intelligence is also being explored as part of emerging medical tools in oncology care.
He stressed that the continent is beginning to see progress in access to treatment, research collaboration, and data generation, which are essential for improving decision-making in cancer care.
The President of SIOP Africa, Prof Jennifer Geel, called for stronger investment in paediatric oncology and sustainable health financing, warning that lack of funding across the treatment pathway continues to undermine survival prospects.
She emphasised that childhood cancer is highly curable when properly managed, adding that African health systems already have the expertise needed but require stronger financial and institutional support.
Experts also highlighted the broader economic impact of improving survival rates, noting that successfully treated children can grow into productive adults who contribute meaningfully to national development.
Dr Nickhill Bhakta of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital reinforced the need for investment in quality medicines, radiation therapy, and surgical care, describing childhood cancer treatment as a long-term investment in human capital.
Meanwhile, Dr Adedayo Joseph, Chair of the conference’s Scientific Committee, said the gathering aimed to prioritise African-led data and research to reduce reliance on external studies that may not fully reflect local realities.
He added that improving childhood cancer outcomes on the continent will depend on collaboration, research-driven policy, and sustained commitment from governments and health institutions.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Burden and Simulation Unit at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dr Nickhill Bhakta, stressed the need for investment in childhood cancer care.
“Children can be cured of their disease if they have access to quality medicines, radiation, and surgery. It’s an investment in that child’s future because that child who is then treated for childhood cancer will then go on to get a job, will go on to become a productive member of society, and then will be able to contribute back to the GDP,” he said.
On her part, the Chairman of the Scientific Committee for the conference, Dr Adedayo Joseph, said the conference would enable experts from the continent to focus on generating credible African data to improve treatment outcomes for African children.
“Everybody contributing to improving childhood cancer survival on the continent is here and meeting. We are focusing on science, research, and African data, because we often import data from outside the continent and try to apply it here. So there is a strong focus on generating and using African data,” Joseph, who is also the Executive Director of The Dorcas Cancer Foundation, said.
