Port Moresby General Hospital’s Children’s Cancer Ward yesterday marked World Childhood Cancer Day not only bringing awareness to cancer affecting children but also highlighting challenges faced by the hospital’s children’s cancer ward and sharing the incredible stories of survival and recovery.

The modest gathering included the hardworking staff of PMGH’s cancer ward, Friends of POMGEN, partners, volunteers, parents and children from ward 1E.

Speaking at the event, Pediatrician for the Children’s Cancer Ward, Dr. Benjamin Daur briefly spoke on the cancer ward and patient numbers.

He mentioned that Papua New Guinea should be seeing approximately 500 new cases every year, however health records only show 150 new cases in children, stating that the rest of the young patients get ‘lost’ in the system.

“Many parents believe in sorcery, hence they refuse to bring their children to the hospital, others are misdiagnosed.”

Dr. Daur stressed that because of misinformation, it is crucial that such events are used to raise awareness.

He also noted that many childhood cancers are curable, but access to treatment remains difficult for families who cannot travel to Port Moresby.

“The ward has 12 beds, but we have 20 patients.”

“35 patients receive treatment every week.”

“7 children receive chemotherapy daily.”

Despite limited space and resources, the ward continues to provide life-saving care to dozens of children every week.