A Cacophony of Voices

by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Program Officer

At The Sota Clinic four young patients, all under the age of ten, were running around the facility laughing and having fun that day I visited with Sr. Margaret Ishengoma (also of IMA World Health),  Kumbia Juma and Josea Maguti both of Shirati Mennonite Hospital. The fact that these children are able to run, laugh, and be children, is a testament to the work that is being done at The Sota Clinic by Dr. Esther Kawira and her staff (and others like them across Tanzania) for children suffering from  Burkitt’s  Lymphoma and the investment that the Government of Tanzania is putting into Burkitt’s Lymphoma.

Burkitt ’s Lymphoma (BL) is a childhood cancer that is predominately found in areas where there is a high prevalence of malaria, such as in northern Tanzania. With the proper treatment children may be cured of this disfiguring and potentially fatal illness. The Tanzanian Ministry of Health, through the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) is working with IMA World Health to finalize a standardized National Treatment Protocol for BL to ensure that all children across the country are receiving the same quality of care.

Lucas, who is nine-year- old, was diagnosed with BL. His grandmother had brought him 35 kilometers to The Sota Clinic from their home because he hadn’t been able to see for three days and had a noticeable tumor in his palate. Immediately Lucas underwent a fine needle aspiration to draw fluid from the tumor for diagnosis, and was diagnosed with BL. Within five days of receiving his first chemotherapy treatment Lucas was able to see clearly. After a few days, when she was able to see that Lucas’ body was responding well to the chemotherapy, Lucas’ grandmother returned home leaving Lucas in the care of the Clinic.

Five-year old Ely Marwa was brought to the clinic by a cousin who had suffered from BL. Ely had been suffering for two weeks from a mass in his left jaw. He underwent three cycles of chemotherapy and was sent home shortly after. Two months later Ely returned to the clinic because his eyes had swollen for three days and he was having difficulty walking due to a mass near his genitals. After an initial chemotherapy treatment Ely’s eyes began to get better and the mass began to shrink. Ely underwent 12 weeks of chemotherapy; the national standard for BL that was established in March 2008.

The Sota Clinic has decided to admit all children diagnosed with BL for their entire 12 week chemotherapy cycle. Many children and their families come from far distances, such as Lucas, and transportation between villages and the clinic can be difficult and expensive. By admitting the children to the clinic they are ensured of their entire treatment and their families are given peace of mind, they don’t have to worry about finding time or funds for traveling.

Since 12 weeks is a long time for the adult caregiver to be away from home; they stay with the child through their diagnosis and first chemotherapy treatment and then return home. The child is then “adopted” by one of the clinic nurses who watches over the child during their stay.

Lucas and Ely are not the only children with BL at The Sota Clinic. They are joined by five-year old David and nine-year old Evelyn who are responding well to treatment as well. The cacophony of children’s voices fill the clinic as they grow stronger and everyone enjoys listening.