In order to create awareness in the community about cancer in children and the need to seek early treatment, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Global Health Collaborative (GHC) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) are organizing the 6th annual Uganda Cancer Color Run, a marathon that will take place in Mbarara City on 24th July 2022.
The run under the theme “Give hope to every child with Cancer” is targeted to attract over 1000 participants as a way of raising five million shillings to support the care of children with cancer.
Dr. Kumbakumba Elias, the Head, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at MRRH reported that over the last five years, the runs have yielded a lot for successes.
“MRRH is the only center that manages childhood cancers in western and south-western Uganda. An 18-bed capacity Pediatric cancer ward was built and opened in May 2017. Full board care is provided to over 150 children newly diagnosed with cancer, and over 500 children are currently in care. The facilitation of staff at the Pediatric oncology clinic ensures there are highly trained, well-motivated staff to care for children with cancer.
The cancer survival rate has now doubled to 50%. A lot of research is now taking place in the cancer services. A big thank you to all our partners, organizations and individuals that have contributed towards this noble cause over the years,’’ he explained.
One can participate in this year’s run by buying marathon t-shirts at 20,000 Uganda Shillings and 30,000 Uganda Shillings for the round collar T-shirts to participate in the 5km marathon on 24th July 2022.
In addition, cash contributions and other forms of support are welcome.
The expected overall number of child cancer cases in Eastern Africa in 2015 was roughly 47,753.
In Uganda, the estimated annual new cases of childhood cancer were roughly 2,850.
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