The Fiji Oncology Unit has noted a major increase in child cancer survival rates.

Dr. Losalini Leweniqila, a Pediatrician at the Oncology Unit at CWM hospital says this is a result of the ongoing partnership between New Zealand and Fiji.

She says the growth of child cancer treatment and facilities in Fiji has generated positive results.

“Following all these efforts, the survival of our pediatric oncology cases have drastically improved. Survival rates have improved as well. Our pediatric oncology unit in Fiji continues to grow and now seeing and beginning to treat children from our neighboring countries, like Kiribati, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.”

Dr. Leweniqila also clarifies that they also have options in place when treatment is not available locally.

“Those that we cannot treat either undergo palliative care or they can be taken abroad if the family have the means to take care of the cost. Sadly, most of these un-treatable cases can only be offered palliative care in which the patient and the family are counseled and are supported through a period of time which is basically end of life for them.”

Meanwhile, Walk on Walk Strong founder Sina Kami says the WOW’s foundation was set up to assist families with some of the basic needs of hospital care when their children require consistent treatment.

“If we start pointing fingers, these kids will suffer. Because the people who have money when their child is sick they can get on a plane a fly out. But we have children who you meet today, they are the one that needs transport back and forth from the hospital.”

The WOW’s Kids foundation currently supports 67 children being treated for cancer, including three who were sent for overseas treatment this year.