TDCF, St. Jude Global Alliance, Partner on Improving Pediatric Cancer Outcomes in Nigeria, Others

Sunday Ehigiator

The Dorcas Cancer Foundation (TDCF) has partnered St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Global Alliance, a network dedicated to advancing the fight against pediatric cancer worldwide, with the aim of improving pediatric cancer outcomes in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa.

A statement from the partnership revealed that this milestone cements TDCF’s leadership in pediatric cancer care, advocacy and education in Nigeria and on the global stage.

“By joining the St. Jude Global Alliance, a network of more than 180 institutions and organisations across over 80 countries, TDCF will gain access to unparalleled resources, global expertise and innovative collaborations. This partnership also provides opportunities to integrate global solutions into local strategies, strengthening pediatric oncology care throughout Nigeria.”

Founded by Nigeria’s first certified pediatric radiation oncologist, Dr. AdedayoJoseph, TDCF has spent more than a decade addressing critical gaps in pediatric cancer care.

According to Dr Joseph, the foundation has consistently advanced the detection, diagnosis, treatment, training, patient education and palliative care for childhood cancer, supporting hundreds of children across Nigeria.

Joseph, who received specialised training in pediatric radiation oncology in Germany, Australia, South Africa, and the United States, highlighted the importance of this achievement.

She stated that this milestone reflects the dedication of TDCF’s team to improving the lives of children with cancer in Nigeria.

Her words: “Since its inception, TDCF has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have reshaped pediatric cancer care in low- and middle-income countries.

“The foundation was the first to release a free patient education handbook on pediatric cancer in Nigeria in 2018, distributing over 3,000 physical copies before making it available online.

“We are outlandishly strict about structure, order, policy, and science. Every project is designed to be replicable, sustainable, and scalable. We constantly evaluate to ensure that every initiative improves pediatric cancer survival.

“The foundation’s programmes such as the Early Detection and Initiation of Cancer Treatment (EDICT) and the Look Again campaign, have trained primary healthcare workers in early cancer detection, creating life-saving referral pathways.

“TDCF’s Pediatric Radiation Oncology Virtual Course (PedROC) has trained more than 1,000 professionals, including radiation oncologists, nurses, physicists, and therapists, from over 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and beyond.

“Joining the St. Jude Global Alliance strengthens TDCF’s ability to deliver on its mission and expand its impact. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to the children we serve.”

The Chief Operating Officer of TDCF, Dr Korede Akindele, underscored the significance of the alliance, noting that the partnership is an opportunity to elevate the standard of care for children with cancer in Nigeria.

Akindele added that the collaboration empowers TDCF to expand its programmes, enhance capacity-building efforts, and deepen advocacy for equitable healthcare.

“Together with the St. Jude Global Alliance, we are poised to revolutionisepediatric oncology in the region. We are deeply humbled to join this global mission to find cures and save children everywhere,” Akindele stated.