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| One of the bedrooms for children on chemotherapy |
SEEING a child suffer from cancer is unbearable not only to the child but to the mother also. But what is more unbearable is nursing a sick child with nowhere to stay; no food and being far away from a health facility that offers paediatric care.
Sometimes mothers and their ailing children are expected to stay in hospital for close to two or three months while receiving treatment.
But what about those who are miles away from Lusaka which has only one paediatric oncology ward at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) that handles such cases?
All this is bound to change as Kayula Childhood Cancer Foundation (KCCF) has established a parent house. And Nisco Group of Companies donated assorted household goods valued at K65,000 to KCCF parent house last week.
Among the household goods donated included dinning suites, three microwaves, two upright refrigerators, beds and beddings, sofas, a television set, a washing machine, among others items.
The two events which happened last week could not have come at a better time when families with children suffering from various forms of cancer face a number of challenges of which shelter is most important.
Nisco public relations officer Nelson Sichivula said the household goods will significantly contribute to improving the lives of the young cancer patients and their families.
The donations were in line with the company's corporate social responsibility. He noted that it was important that private companies supplement the government's efforts in lessening the burdens families with children suffering from cancer go through.
"We are also aware of the challenges the parents coming from remote areas go through when they are nursing their children and we know this will save the lives of many children," he said.
Donated equipment to the parent house will help create a 'home' environment that will give the young cancer patients room to heal.
Meanwhile, KCCF executive director MumbaSata has since commended Nisco Group of Companies for the contribution which will see to it that UTH is de-congested and children suffering from cancer complete their treatment, by accommodating the families and children in the house instead of being at the hospital.
Ms Sata also said the house will assist parents cope with the emotional and financial stress created by cancer treatment and rehabilitation because families facing childhood cancer need the best possible medical care and emotional support.
She said "you may be aware that cancer is the most common cause of death in children in developing countries and Zambia loses 81 per cent of children between the ages of 0 to 15 from cancer-related illnesses every year."
However, Ms Sata was quick to note that some parents fail to start and complete treatment which has resulted in Zambia in the past recording 45 percent abandonment cases with 45 per cent mortality rates.
"The parent house will provide accommodation where parents of children suffering from cancer can stay while their children undergo treatment," she said. Ms Sata has also called on other companies to emulate Nisco in helping the young patients.
Meanwhile KCCF board member Likando Nangonde said UTH will be responsible for sending young patients and their mothers from the oncology ward to KCCF parent house.
Mr Nangonde said the three-bedroom house which is situated in Woodlands suburb will accommodate children who are in between chemotherapy treatment.
Each bedroom will accommodate six parents, each with a child." However, as the case now stands, parents nursing their children are required to meet their own accommodation costs, without any supportive resources.
The house will shelter young patients who are discharged from the hospital between their chemotherapy because this is the crucial period when a child's immunity system is very low, making it possible for an infection.
Due to expensive and limited accommodation in Lusaka, parents often resort to living at the hospital premises while a few squat with relatives in homes that are not ideal for an immune-compromised child.
Children after chemotherapy need a very clean environment because they can easily get infected with any virus within the premises that they live.
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