Capacity building: a novel pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship program in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background and objectives Although 80% of pediatric cancer cases occur in low-and middle-income countries, specialists in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology (PHO) are scarce, which is a major reason for the dismal survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) compared with that in high-income countries (HICs). Traditional models of specialty training for SSA physicians (eg, those with a residency or fellowship in HICs) inevitably result in brain drain from SSA. Moreover, the content and context of training in HICs are often irrelevant to SSA settings. Objectives 1. Establish the first comprehensive PHO fellowship program for East Africa. 2. Improve morbidity and mortality for children with blood disorders and cancer in SSA.

Pediatric oncology infrastructure and workforce training needs: A report from the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group

“…Hybrid training modules may also be employed to manage the sociocultural and financial hindrances of nursing training and education. 26,27,28 We identified major differences in workforce and workload ratios and the availability of relevant clinical and supportive services when Our findings provide a background on which to forge regional and national collaborations to improve workforce training for PO care.…”

Rare Late Presentation of Severe Congenital Hemophilia A in an Adult Ugandan Soldier Following Elective Circumcision

“…This Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (Global HOPE) initiative from the Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, in partnership with Makerere University College of Health Sciences, the affiliated Mulago National Referral Hospital, and Uganda Ministry of Health has graduated three sets of fellows from its 2-year training program and currently enrolls 10 trainees from five SSA countries. 10 More opportunities for training like this one will facilitate the comprehensive care of individuals with hemophilia and secondarily stimulate the growth of organizations that support individuals with hemophilia plus improve awareness in the general population of LIC.…”

Training pediatric hematologist/oncologists for capacity building in Ethiopia

“…Subspecialty oncology training programs in LMIC remain a recent development 17 and specific attempts at PHO training are just beginning 29,30 . Modern pediatric oncology care requires myriad robust systems to be in place.…”