Health experts and child cancer advocates have expressed concern over the increasing number of children diagnosed with cancer in Uganda as preparations intensify for the 4th Edition of the Children Cancer Run 2026.
Medical experts estimate that more than 3,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Uganda every year. However, many parents reportedly delay seeking medical attention or fail to complete treatment once it begins, significantly lowering survival chances for affected children.
Speaking during the launch of the run, Dr Irene Nansubuga, an ophthalmologist at the Uganda Cancer Institute, said many Ugandans still mistakenly believe that cancer only affects adults.
She explained that several cancers commonly affect children, including leukemia, eye cancer, and cancers linked to blood and DNA disorders.
Nansubuga emphasized that childhood cancer is treatable and that many children can survive if the disease is detected early and treatment is completed as prescribed.
She urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to unusual symptoms in children and seek immediate medical care whenever concerns arise.
The Uganda Child Cancer Foundation, led by Executive Director Moses Echodu, officially launched the fourth edition of the annual run, which is scheduled to take place on May 17, 2026.
Echodu said the initiative seeks to mobilise funds to support treatment and care for children battling cancer while also increasing nationwide awareness about the disease and the challenges families face during treatment.
He noted that many families struggle to afford transport, medication and other treatment-related expenses, forcing some patients to abandon treatment before completion.
Meanwhile, Ben Mwine said Next Media joined the initiative as part of its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting public health awareness.
Mwine said the partnership would help amplify awareness about childhood cancer and encourage more Ugandans to participate in the run and support affected children.