The vulnerability of immunocompromised children means that they are particularly at risk of the Coronavirus. In April 2020  it became important to act fast and purchase PPE whilst it was still available locally in order to maximise protection for these children.

Most of the paediatric oncology units World Child Cancer partner with in low and middle-income countries are positioned within tertiary referral hospitals. These hospitals are, as seen in China and Europe, at the forefront of the Covid-19 response. This translates into a potentially extremely high-risk situation where children with cancer, that are hugely vulnerable due to their compromised immune systems, are treated in poorly resourced hospitals weakened by the Covid-19 response.

This project aims to shield up to 1500 children with cancer from the risk of infection by providing PPE and ensuring that they can continue receiving adequate care. Accommodation near the hospital and support with living costs will be provided to families so that they don’t go out and return to their child with the virus. Where practical, training from World Child Cancer (WCC) will benefit other hospital staff too.