BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Childhood cancer survivors and families turn a day of painful memories into one of courage, hope and renewed dreams at Hilton Garden Inn today. More than 100 children, cancer survivors and their families gathered to celebrate to celebrate survival and hope, as Eswatini confronted the reality of more than 400 childhood cancer cases recorded since 2016.
The gathering, held during Childhood Cancer Survivors Day 2026, brought together survivors, children currently undergoing treatment, parents, caregivers, healthcare workers, Government representatives and partners under the theme “Celebrating Strength, Hope and the Journey of Every Survivor.”
The event was hosted by the Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation, with Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati Make LaNkhambule, the Foundation’s Patron, represented by Princess Buhle Betive.
For many families, the celebration was more than a social gathering. It was an opportunity to look back at difficult treatment journeys while celebrating children who are now able to dream beyond cancer.
41 NEW CASES EVERY YEAR
Representing the Ministry of Health, the speaker revealed that more than 400 children have been registered with cancer since 2016, with approximately 41 new cases recorded every year.
Despite the figures, the Ministry stressed that childhood cancer should not automatically be viewed as a hopeless diagnosis.
Most childhood cancers can be cured when recognised early and appropriately treated, making early detection and timely access to care critical.
Parents, caregivers, teachers and communities were therefore encouraged to pay attention when children develop unusual or persistent symptoms.
These include unexplained lumps or swelling, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever, persistent headaches or vomiting, unexplained pain, changes in the eyes or vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, or a child who remains persistently unwell.
SURVIVORS TOLD TO DREAM AGAIN
The Ministry used the occasion to encourage survivors not to allow their cancer experiences to define their futures.
The children were encouraged to return to their education, develop their talents, build relationships and contribute to their communities.
“Your experience is part of your story, but it does not define the limits of your future,” Dr Msane said.
Parents and caregivers were also recognised for supporting their children through hospital visits, investigations and treatment, while healthcare workers and partners were acknowledged for providing care throughout the difficult journeys.
The gathering also remembered children who lost their lives to cancer, with the Ministry extending sympathy to their families.
CANCER CARE GETTING STRONGER
The Ministry highlighted the establishment of the Manzini Government Oncology Hospital as one of the investments made to expand access to specialised cancer services.
It also pointed to efforts to strengthen diagnostic capacity through additional radiological diagnostic equipment.
Through the National Cancer Control Programme, the Ministry said its work covers the cancer-care journey from awareness and early recognition to diagnosis, referral, treatment, supportive and palliative care, survivorship and long term follow up.
However, challenges remain, including referrals outside Eswatini, shortages of specialised personnel, financing constraints, access to supportive care and continuity of follow-up.
MORE THAN A DAY OF CELEBRATION
The Survivor Day programme brought together more than 100 children and their families for games, entertainment, support sessions, gifts and messages of encouragement from partners and sponsors.
But beneath the celebrations was a broader message: surviving cancer is only part of the journey.
Children who complete treatment still need support to return to school, participate in society and live without stigma.
The Ministry stressed that childhood cancer cannot be addressed by the health sector alone, calling for families, schools, communities, Government, civil society, development partners, healthcare workers and survivors to play their part.
“A diagnosis of cancer should never be a reason to hide a child or isolate a family,” Rep Dr Msane said.
Every survivor, the Ministry said, deserves dignity, compassion, acceptance and the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil their potential.
#ChildhoodCancerAwareness #CancerSurvivors #Eswatini #Hope
