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Paediatric oncology physiotherapy in Africa: International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Global Mapping
Ebuka Miracle Anieto1,2, Precious Madzimbe3, Joanne Potterton3
1School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK.
Insights
Physiotherapy access for childhood cancer patients in Africa is limited, with over two-thirds of countries reporting availability. Further research is crucial to address the growing rehabilitation needs of these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Global Health
Background:
- Childhood cancer treatment in Africa is increasing, leading to greater rehabilitation needs.
- The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) has highlighted disparities in pediatric oncology services.
- Access to essential supportive care, like physiotherapy, remains a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current state of physiotherapy services in African pediatric oncology settings.
- To identify gaps in knowledge regarding rehabilitation needs for children with cancer in Africa.
- To inform strategies for equitable and sustainable rehabilitation care.
Main Methods:
- A review of childhood cancer services across African nations was conducted.
- Data on the availability of physiotherapy services in pediatric oncology sites was collected.
- Analysis considered country income classifications.
Main Results:
- Just over two-thirds of African countries reported access to physiotherapy services in pediatric oncology sites.
- Availability of physiotherapy services varied across the continent, irrespective of income classification.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the specific rehabilitation needs of these patients.
Conclusions:
- While some physiotherapy services exist, access is not universal across Africa.
- There is a critical need for further research into the rehabilitation requirements of African children undergoing cancer treatment.
- Developing globally equitable and sustainable solutions for pediatric cancer rehabilitation in Africa is essential.
Abstract:
Childhood cancer treatment in Africa has a dramatically increasing patient population resulting in greater rehabilitation needs. The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) mapped childhood cancer services in Africa including access to physiotherapy. Irrespective of income classification, just over two-thirds of countries in Africa reported having access to physiotherapy services in paediatric oncology sites. There is a lack of knowledge about African childhood physiotherapy services. Research is needed to understand the rehabilitation needs of these children/adolescents and how to meet their needs in a globally equitable and sustainable way.
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