Child Thrive Tanzania

In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured. In low- and middle-income countries, less than 30% of children are cured. The unmet health needs have resulted in unacceptably high morbidity and mortality rates, even for cancers that are easily treatable.

Child Thrive Coalition member, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, is home to one of only three pediatric oncology clinics in a country of 65.5 million people. Led by pediatric oncologist Dr. Esther Majaliwa, the clinic was established in 2016 and sees about 1,000 kids with cancer per year.

With the dedication of pediatric oncologist Dr. Esther Majaliwa and her team, the one-year survival rate is now 65% and climbing!

The partnership in Tanzania is also expanding to support kids with sickle cell disease, a debilitating genetic blood disorder.

1) HEALTHCARE SERVICES: Early intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of survival. The clinic provides cancer treatments, prosthetic limbs after life-saving amputations, and psychosocial care for the kids. Diagnostic equipment and staff training are also supported.

2) NUTRITION: As many young patients come in with acute malnutrition and can’t tolerate their treatments, the Child Thrive Tanzania project provides fortified milk, other locally sourced foods, and feeding pumps for children who are too weak to feed themselves.

3) EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: Children diagnosed with cancer not only battle for survival but also face significant delays to their education, impacting their long-term well-being. Through our Child Thrive supports, these children continue their education during in-clinic treatment and are more likely to remain in school upon returning home. We offer access to a full-time teacher, a learning & games library, and health education workshops to facilitate their holistic development.