NCCA launched to enhance pediatric cancer care

KATHMANDU: During the launch of the Nepal Childhood Cancer Alliance (NCCA), a significant milestone was achieved in the effort to enhance childhood cancer care in Nepal. The official announcement of NCCA marks a major step forward in uniting stakeholders, improving treatment accessibility, and strengthening support for children battling cancer across the country.

The alliance brings together the Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust (RGMT), Leonardo Edward Shrestha Foundation (LESF), together against Childhood Cancer (TACC), and World Child Cancer (WCC) UK to jointly support and enhance pediatric cancer treatment, patient support, and long-term survivorship care.

The unveiling of NCCA was attended by Dr. Hari Pd. Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry of Health & Population, along with representatives from the Nepal Pediatric Society, senior hospital doctors, pediatric oncologist from government and private hospitals, representatives from WHO, UNICEF, NGOs, and INGOs.

The alliance will focus on providing holistic support beyond treatment, including early detection awareness, financial and psychosocial assistance for families, and post-treatment survivor support.

A panel discussion featuring leading pediatric oncologists Dr. Bishow Nath Adhikari (Kanti Children’s Hospital), Dr. Ritu Lamichhane (Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital), Dr. Sucharita Tuladhar (Patan Academy of Health Sciences), Dr. Krishna Sagar Sharma (B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital), and Dr. Sani Sipai (Kanti Children’s Hospital) highlighted the urgent need for specialized pediatric oncology infrastructure, capacity building for healthcare professionals, and coordinated policy interventions.

The session was moderated by Dr. Bishow Nath Adhikari and chaired by Mr. Sanjay Agrawal (Director, RGMT), with Dr. Suman Panthi (Childhood Cancer Officer, WHO Nepal) as co-chair.

Samrat Rayamajhi, Programme Coordinator-Nepal for WCC, emphasized the alliance’s mission, stating, “This collaboration is about creating a system where treatment is just one part of a child’s recovery. Families need comprehensive support, and NCCA is committed to making that happen through close collaboration.”

NCCA will undertake several key initiatives, including:
 Awareness campaigns to promote early detection and timely intervention.
 Family support with non-medical challenges such as local transportation.
 Educational scholarships and a survivors’ network to aid long-term rehabilitation.