Alejandra Mendez, President of Childhood Cancer International, shared Dr. Abel Hailu’s post on LinkedIn, adding:
“Being in Jimma and witnessing firsthand the extraordinary dedication of healthcare professionals, the challenges faced by families, and the determination of everyone involved has been a moving and inspiring experience.
One message stands out: treatment availability does not always mean treatment accessibility. For too many children, the greatest barriers are not only medical, but also financial, geographical, and social. And these barriers can determine whether a child completes treatment.
What I have witnessed here in Jimma reinforces my conviction that treatment abandonment is not simply a family decision. It is a challenge that health systems, communities, and all of us must take responsibility for addressing.
I leave these visits with admiration for the Jimma University team, gratitude for our partners across Africa, and renewed determination to turn our shared commitment into meaningful action.
Zero abandonment is not just a goal. It is a matter of equity, dignity, and justice.”
Quoting Dr. Abel Hailu’s post:
“As part of the CANCaRe Africa Zero Abandonment Initiative, a team comprising Prof. Trijin, CCI President Alejandra, and colleagues from Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia visited the Jimma University Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit and the Radiation Oncology Department.
We had the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable work being done by the Jimma University team to advance childhood cancer care and improve access to specialized cancer services.
Given Jimma University’s strategic location in southwestern Ethiopia and its extensive catchment population, strengthening access to care and reducing treatment abandonment are particularly important priorities.
Our discussions emphasized the need for stronger, coordinated support systems that address the medical, social, and financial barriers families face throughout the treatment journey.
Zero abandonment must be more than an aspiration; it must become a shared commitment and a reality for every child diagnosed with cancer, regardless of where they live or their family’s socioeconomic circumstances.
Together, through strong partnerships, institutional commitment, and collective action, we can move closer to ensuring that no child is left behind.”
Other articles about Alejandra Mendez on OncoDaily.
