Childhood cancer in Fiji is gaining much-needed attention, with Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica highlighting the government’s commitment to improving awareness and support for affected children. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, he acknowledged that this critical issue has previously suffered from a lack of national focus.
Mr. Kamikamica emphasized the alarming disparity in survival rates in the Pacific, where only 20 percent of children diagnosed with cancer survive, compared to an 80 percent survival rate globally. He called for government action to enhance these rates and ensure that children can lead healthy, successful lives. The support for WOWS Kids Fiji, an organization dedicated to assisting children with cancer, was reaffirmed, with indications of continued funding from various ministries.
The Deputy Prime Minister also urged all Fijians to contribute to this important cause, whether through small or large donations, stating, “WOWS Kids Fiji is definitely a cause that needs a lot of assistance and support from everyone in Fiji.”
This government initiative comes in tandem with ongoing efforts to foster awareness of pediatric cancer, such as the campaigns led by WOWS Kids Fiji, which provides essential support to children and families affected by cancer. They emphasize the importance of early detection and advocate for education around the symptoms of childhood cancer, furthering community understanding and responsiveness.
With initiatives like WOWS Kids Fiji and government backing, there is a hopeful outlook for improved childhood cancer care in Fiji. This collaboration aims to change the narrative for many families, fostering a community that encourages early intervention and provides support for those in need.
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