20 children lose their lives from cancer every year

20 children lose their lives due to childhood cancer in Fiji every year while there is an increase of 90 children seeking cancer treatment.

Trustee of WOWS Kids, Anabel Ali highlighted this during the launch of the 2024 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at Api Tonga in Laucala Beach.

Ali says they have operating expenses of $250,000 every year and through donations, they help save the lives of children every year.

She says WOWS Kids celebrate the lives of children because they do not know whether they will return from the hospital.

The Trustee says their goal for this year is to build a resource centre so that children do not think that their lives are only confined to needles and injections.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica says the Government is committed to enhancing cancer treatment facilities to improve access to specialised care and combat childhood cancer.

Kamikamica is urging all sectors of society including civil society, educators and individuals to join hands in a united fight against childhood cancer.

He adds they have to amplify the voices of these young warriors and show them that they receive the love, care and support that they deserve. For the 2024 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, activities have been planned such as the Great WOWS Walk Challenge where people interested will do 50 kilometres of fitness activity over two weeks, SHAVE OR SAVE Campaign and Gift Your Birthday.