Table 1.

Common Challenges in Pediatric Leukemia Diagnosis and Treatment in Africa

Challenge	Description
Lack of Awareness	Many parents and healthcare workers are unaware of pediatric leukemia symptoms, leading to late diagnoses.
Misdiagnosis	Symptoms of leukemia (e.g., fever, fatigue, pallor) are often mistaken for malaria or anemia
Limited Diagnostic Facilities	Few hospitals have the necessary lab tests (e.g., bone marrow biopsies) for accurate leukemia diagnosis
Shortage of Oncologists	Many countries have fewer than one pediatric oncologist per million people.
High Cost of Treatment	Chemotherapy and supportive care are expensive, often beyond the reach of many families.
Poor Infrastructure	Limited pediatric oncology wards and treatment centers in rural areas
Drug Shortages	Essential medications are often unavailable due to supply chain issues
Cultural Barriers	Misconceptions about cancer and stigma prevent families from seeking medical help.
Weak Health Policies	Non-communicable diseases like leukemia are not prioritized in many national health programs
Financial Burden on Families	Families may need to sell assets or withdraw children from school to afford treatment