Development and implementation of early diagnosis tools for five childhood cancers in Sub- Saharan Africa. A joint program of GFAOP an jean lemerle institute

Background and Aims: In Sub-Saharan Africa, like in other low-income countries in the world, delayed diagnosis is the first cause of death by cancer in children Developing early diagnosis tools, trainings for healthcare givers as well as raising awareness among populations is paramount to improve survival rates Methods: Two workshops were conducted in 2019 with pediatric oncology experts from ten African countries and Health authorities from Senegal including the Senegalese Ministry of health and the National school for nurses and midwives Educational modules on detection of early signs leading to the diagnosis of five main children cancers (Retinoblastoma, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Wilms Tumor, Burkitt and Hodgkin Lymphoma) were developed and harmonized These modules (manuals, flyers, posters), intended for general practitioners, nurses and other healthcare givers have been used to train trainers and then to train healthcare givers Results: During the 2019-2020 campaign in Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 44 doctors and nurses were trained during three “train the trainer” workshops Additionally, healthcare professionals were trained in three districts of Dakar and Thies regions before the COVID19 pandemia In a total of 105 nurses and midwives trained, the analysis of pre and post-tests demonstrated a significant progression in the detection of the early signs of pediatric cancers (45% relative increase on the average) Digital technology will be developed to support healthcare givers in swiftly referring patients to Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Senegal Similar trainings are planned in the High Katanga Region, DRC and in the Region of Sikasso,Mali Conclusions: the implementation of effective tools to enhance early diagnosis may improve the survival of children with cancer in Sub- Saharan Africa Demonstrating such an impact will need further development in additional regions and countries in 2020 and 2021