Participation in Improving Clinical Outcomes of Cancer Patients by Nongovernmental Organisations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Case for Zambia

Abstract

Amount raised: $8000 Background and context: The Zambian Cancer Society (ZCS) is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to fighting cancer along the continuum of care. Until recently, ZCS had provided nonclinical social support to patients by donating food, toiletries, clothing and transport money. The Society also runs a patient navigation desk at the national Cancer Diseases Hospital, which provides information to patients, cancer survivors and their care givers. In 2017, ZCS in collaboration with Oncocurae Consultancy decided to participate in clinical outcomes by fundraising for service delivery costs. Aim: To improve clinical outcomes of cancer patients by filling in the financial gap in cancer care in Zambia. Strategy/Tactics: The Zambian Cancer Society engaged with technocrats in the field of oncology to understand the barriers to quality care and good outcomes for cancer patients treated at the national Cancer Diseases Hospital. Solutions within realistic budget lines were then proposed. Partners such as the Rotaract Club of Lusaka, Zambia Active Ambassadors, Zambians living in the UK and many more were sensitized to these needs for fundraising. Program process: Three main areas were identified: Knowledge gap in implementation of more conformal radiotherapy techniques. Pathology costs inhibitive for patients (especially pediatric oncology and breast cancer). Lack of organized preventative, screening and surveillance services at the cancer center. Costs and returns: Activity 1: Sponsorship for radiotherapist to attend the European Society of Medical Oncologists (ESMO) Africa Summit, in Cape Town. Cost: $1000 Return: Achieved networking and mentorship relationships with view to enhance skills and training opportunities. Activity 2: Provision of funds to allow for timely diagnosis of disease to enable treatment. Cost: ongoing Return: Immunohistochemistry is an important aspect to enable oncologists to make good treatment decisions but often too costly. Activity 3: Equipment for preventative, screening and surveillance clinic bought. Cost: $2700 Return: Launch of preventative, screening and surveillance clinic at Cancer Diseases Hospital. What was learned: Social support is very important for patients but lack of clinical support can turn a potentially curable disease into an incurable one in the LMICs. Leveraging of relationships between NGOs and goodwill sponsors can bridge financial gaps in poorly funded health care systems.