The Okapi Cancer Foundation has called for stronger support for childhood cancer awareness, early diagnosis and treatment as it marked its 10th anniversary with a cancer awareness walk in Abuja. The Okapi Children Cancer Walk 2026 brought together survivors, families, supporters and advocates to raise awareness and resources for children living with cancer. Organizers said the event also aimed to remind affected families that they are not alone. Hope Tobi, a childhood cancer survivor, said walking alongside other survivors gave her encouragement and hope.
Foundation founder Oluwakemi Adekanye urged the government to give greater priority to childhood cancer and expressed hope that children would benefit from recent efforts to expand cancer funding. She also stressed the importance of parents and health workers recognising possible warning signs early. According to the World Health Organization, prompt and accurate diagnosis can significantly improve survival, while delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment remain major barriers in low- and middle-income countries.
Globally, about 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 develop cancer each year, with most cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. WHO says survival in these settings is often below 30%, compared with more than 80% in many high-income countries. The foundation says it has supported more than 250 children living with cancer and reached thousands of students and community members through awareness campaigns. Dr Ikenna Igbodika, a member of the foundation’s management team, said its outreach focuses on taking childhood cancer education into communities and schools, where greater awareness can encourage families to seek medical attention sooner.
