📌 The Big Picture:
Lesotho joins the world today, February 15, 2025, in marking International Childhood Cancer Day under the theme “Inspiring Action.” The global call to close treatment gaps and expand access to care resonates deeply in a country where young patients face limited resources and support.

📊 The Numbers Tell the Story:
According to Lesotho’s Childhood Cancer Organisation, its records show 43 children who are either battling or have survived childhood cancer. However, the true number of cases in the country is likely higher. Among the documented cases:

• Leukemia leads with 19 cases
• Kidney and brain cancers follow with five cases each
• Lymphoma and bone cancers stand at four cases each
• Nasopharyngeal cell carcinoma accounts for two cases
• Liver cancer, neuroblastoma, and eye cancer each affect one child

🎤 Voices from the Frontline:
Joalane Tšupane, now 18, was just 20 months old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Despite the challenges of battling cancer at such a young age, Joalane is now advocating for online learning opportunities for childhood cancer patients. She argues this will ensure they continue their education while receiving treatment in hospitals.

🔎 Why It Matters:
With limited access to specialised treatment and no dedicated paediatric oncology unit, many families in Lesotho struggle to get the care their children need. The statistics are not just numbers—they are a call to action.

🚀 The Road Ahead:
As awareness grows, the key question remains: Will Lesotho take steps to improve childhood cancer care and education support for young patients?

About the author: Pascalinah Kabi is the Managing Editor of Uncensored News. She is the first and only female investigative journalist in Lesotho to write and publish an investigative book. With a wealth of experience in public interest investigations, as well as health and gender reporting, Pascalinah is unwavering in her commitment to ethical journalism.