Vuka Khuluma

Vuka Khuluma in support of the Childhood Cancer Foundation is a joint project which seeks to increase the number of cancer and life-threatening blood disorders diagnoses in children between 0 to16 years and ensure access to specialised care and treatment for all those who are diagnosed throughout KwaZulu-Natal, through awareness and disease education and training.

This initiative addresses myths and stigmas, increases awareness around the early warning signs of childhood cancer, and provides referral pathways for accessing specialised treatment and care.

Vuka khuluma objectives:

• To identify and debunk the myths and stigmas of childhood cancer.
• To provide the facts and accurate truths about childhood cancer.
• To train healthcare professionals on the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
• To provide information and resources on how and where to refer to cases of possible childhood cancer.
• To conduct a baseline study of knowledge on cancer stigma; this is achieved through collecting in-depth information on the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and health practices regarding childhood cancer and stigma in targeted communities.
• To conduct community outreach events and distribute educational material in targeted communities. The aim is to address misconceptions about cancer, sharing survivor stories and awareness campaigns that highlight issues contributing to the lack of good treatment outcomes for patients; and advocate with decision-makers to provide solutions to such issues.

Vuka Khuluma is an initiative in support of childhood cancer, demystifying myths and stigmas and increasing awareness around early warning signs and proving access treatment and care. Before some South African children can fight their disease, they have to fight some dangerous myths and misconceptions around the causes and treatments of childhood cancer. The purpose of this initiative is to educate parents, teachers, caregivers and healthcare workers about early warning signs of childhood cancer. There is a need for individuals and communities to wake up to this tragedy, as diagnosis often comes too late.

Childhood cancer is a disease, not a punishment or a curse, and most children with cancer should survive. But you need to act quickly to get a diagnosis and treatment in hospital as soon as possible. We can help with accommodation, transport and other support where necessary; contact us for help.