Gashaw Arega Mekonnen: Jimma Moments – A Shared Mission for Childhood Cancer Care
Gashaw Arega Mekonnen, Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at Addis Ababa University, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Jimma Moments: A Shared Mission for Childhood Cancer Care
It was a privilege to be in Jimma as an invited guest, participating in the CANCaRe Africa Zero Abandonment Meeting, held from November 9–11, 2026.
The meeting brought together pediatric hematologists and oncologists from Ethiopia (Jimma University and the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital), Uganda, and Malawi, alongside key stakeholders, including Tesfa Addis Parents and Childhood Cancer Organization (TAPCCO), Childhood Cancer International (CCI), and the Ethiopian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ESPHO).
Treatment abandonment remains a major challenge in childhood cancer care, particularly in resource-limited settings. It is a multifactorial problem that requires coordinated and sustainable interventions.
Addressing the financial toxicity faced by families, transportation and accommodation barriers, caregiver distress, and psychosocial challenges is essential to reducing treatment abandonment and improving treatment outcomes.
We were also honored to witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony for TAPCCO’s ‘Home Away from Home’ initiative in Jimma, led by Alejandra Mendez, President of Childhood Cancer International (CCI).
This important initiative will provide accommodation and a supportive environment for children with cancer and their families who travel to Jimma to access treatment at Jimma University’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit.
I was pleased to contribute to discussions and share perspectives on strengthening advocacy, research, and practical implementation strategies to address treatment abandonment and advance equitable access to childhood cancer care.
Kudos to CANCaRe Africa Childhood Cancer International – Africa Childhood Cancer International, TAPCCO, CCI, ESPHO, Jimma University, Diriba Fufa, Mulugeta Yimer, Yalew Melkamu, Trijn Israels, Abel Hailu, Alejandra Mendez and all partners and participants for their commitment, collaboration, and continued efforts toward a future where no child abandons cancer treatment because of preventable barriers.
Together, we can move closer to zero treatment abandonment!”
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