The most significant mark of any developed nation, beyond grand infrastructure, wealth, and GDP numbers, is how it cares for its citizens -- in particular, its children.
To that end, it is shameful that when it comes to providing treatment for the children of our country, in particular, those suffering from cancer, we remain woefully inadequate.
Cancer treatment remains extremely expensive in our country, and it is beyond the scope of the average citizens to pursue effective treatment.
In addition to the astronomical costs, there is a severe lack of palliative care for the patients -- less than 1% of the children requiring palliative care in Bangladesh have access to it -- which means that too often, children suffering from cancer experience excruciating pain, with little hope of respite.
This is not how a country should treat its children.
Additionally, according to data from WHO, among the 150,000 patients identified as new cancer patients every year, 20% of them are children, and it is disheartening that, of these diagnosed children, 90% are diagnosed at the very last stages.
This late stage diagnosis issue must be addressed as a priority -- getting cancer should not be the end of hope, and early diagnosis of the disease goes a long way towards saving more lives.
Bangladesh, unfortunately, still suffers from a lack of awareness about cancer. This is up to the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address -- more parents must receive adequate knowledge.
Additionally, given just how devastating cancer continues to be, we desperately need more investment for combating it. This includes more skilled oncologists and staff, and more importance given to providing palliative care.
Bangladesh has made many strides across many sectors. It is time we do better with fighting cancer and protecting our children.
