Enhancing a Childhood Cancer Facility in West Africa

Cancer rates are steadily increasing in Burkina Faso. Since 2012, the West African country’s Ministry of Health, has reported over 5,000 new cancer cases each year. Yet the country’s healthcare system remains ill-equipped to meet demand, leaving many patients without the care they urgently need.

Only two hospitals in the entire country treat children with cancer: Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital and Charles De Gaulle Pediatrics University Hospital Center, both located in the capital city of Ouagadougou. The hospitals are poorly equipped and overcrowded with inadequate pediatric oncology facilities.

In addition, treatment is extremely expensive, making it inaccessible to the many parents with low incomes and no medical insurance. As a result, hospitals are forced to turn away about 25% of children in need of care. The situation is further compounded by a shortage of trained medical personnel and pediatric oncology specialists, leading to delayed diagnoses and less effective treatment outcomes.

Lions in District 403-A3 could not ignore the issue. They used a US$70,000 Matching Grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to construct an extension of 3,500 square feet (325 square meters) to Yalgado Ouédraogo. The new space now has four consultation rooms, a treatment room, a doctor’s office, a staff room, a nurse’s room, and restrooms for boys and girls. They upgraded the building from one level to two and increased the floor space. These changes allowed the reception area to accommodate more than twice as many patients.

This new facility will treat children not only from Burkina Faso, but from neighboring countries as well. This project is expected to allow 200,000 patients aged 15 and under to be treated over the next 20 years. An additional 400,000 family members and caregivers will benefit from the facility.

“This project will continue to significantly reduce mortality from childhood cancer, as it increases the capacity to manage these cases. With the new facilities, more patients are being diagnosed and treated. This environment is also more welcoming and comfortable for patients,” says District Governor Yacouba Barry.

Results like these show just how grant-funded service projects strengthen communities. LCIF continues to support Lions and Leos in their efforts through meaningful grant opportunities, expanding the number of beneficiaries Lions are able to serve worldwide. LCIF Childhood Cancer Grants empower Lions to improve the quality of life for children receiving treatment and their families.