The National Bank of Malawi has transformed cancer diagnostics for children at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital by donating a chemistry analyzer. This machine has reduced processing time to one or two hours, thus facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses of pediatric cancer. Medical professionals express gratitude for this advancement, as it significantly improves treatment timelines and patient outcomes.
Receiving news that a child requires a cancer diagnosis, particularly when referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), is a disconcerting prospect for parents. The process typically takes one to two days, as the hospital utilizes a single diagnostic machine. In some instances, families have been informed that children must undergo the procedure multiple times due to lost samples, contributing to the anxiety of an already distressing situation. Such experiences were prevalent at the Child Cancer Ward until the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc donated a chemistry analyzer in 2023, facilitating more efficient diagnoses.
By improving access to accurate results, the donated machine enables timely detection of pediatric cancer. The five most common types of cancer in children within Malawi include Leukemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Wilms tumor, Retinoblastoma, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Annually, approximately 500 children receive cancer diagnoses, with QECH averaging 20 to 30 new patients per month. In February, coinciding with World Cancer Day’s theme ‘United by Unique’, the Children’s Cancer Ward celebrated a significant milestone after the donation of the chemistry analyzer, reducing diagnostic time to just one or two hours.
Dr. Beatrice Chikaphonya Phiri, a Pediatric Oncologist at QECH, expressed the profound impact of the chemistry analyzer on their operations. She noted, “Usually, we would send the samples to the main lab, and sometimes the lab did not have reagents to do kidney or liver function tests.” This delay in processing had previously hindered their ability to provide timely care. With the new analyzer, medical staff can now secure results promptly, helping to inform treatment decisions effectively.
Dr. Nthambose Simango, a registrar in the Pediatrics Department, affirmed the machine’s consistency in providing timely results, alleviating prior challenges related to reagent shortages and lab delays. “We were unable to do those tests, delaying management and sometimes treating patients blindly,” she said. Dr. Simango emphasized the ongoing need for a reliable supply of reagents and the introduction of a mobile X-ray machine for more effective care delivery.
George Jobe, Executive Director of the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), stated that enhancements in medical equipment have substantially improved healthcare. Every acquisition signifies progress from previous years, underscoring an optimistic future for healthcare resources in Malawi. NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, articulated the bank’s commitment to impactful corporate social investment: “The chemistry analyzer continues to make a difference in the lives of Malawian children.”
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day serves as a poignant reminder that each cancer journey is significant and underscores the importance of collective efforts in providing fair and compassionate care.
The donation of a chemistry analyzer by the National Bank of Malawi has revolutionized cancer diagnostics for children at QECH, significantly reducing wait times and improving the accuracy of results. Medical professionals have lauded the advancements that facilitate timely treatment and diagnosis, reflecting a commitment to enhance pediatric healthcare in Malawi. Ongoing support for healthcare resources is essential to continue this progress and ensure better outcomes for affected families.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
