About SIOP Africa
A community of over 2,600 pediatric hematology/ oncology professionals, 500 of which are from SIOP Africa
was formed on November 6, 1969, as a small group of specialists at the Institut Gustave-Roussy (IGR)
in Villejuif, Paris, who’s mission it was to advance the study and care of children with cancer, a basic
mission that continues to this day.
These aims have expanded to embrace the advancement of basic research as well as clinical studies,
the inclusion of nurses, other health professionals and parents, and the organization of teaching and
outreach programs to better the lot of children in underdeveloped nations and societies.
By today, SIOP has transformed itself into a truly global, multifaceted organization and is the only global multidisciplinary society entirely devoted to paediatric and adolescent cancer. The society has over 2,600 members worldwide including doctors, nurses, other health-care professionals, scientists and researchers. Our members are dedicated to increasing knowledge about all aspects of childhood cancer.
Theme: “Innovate for Africa”
Every year, over 100000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. In many African
countries, children with cancer have a survival rate as low as 20%, and over two-thirds of
survivor’s experience long-term health and psychosocial problems due to the disease and
treatment. Despite the strides made in childhood cancer management, cancer management
remains a challenge, especially in Africa where cancer treatment and research resources,
awareness levels and expertise remain limited. Through these annual congresses, health
professionals and survivors from various countries meet to discuss and share knowledge
about the latest research findings. Additionally, it is an opportunity for participants to introduce
their products, network, and identify potential individuals or organisations they can work with to
improve cancer care in their regions.
This year’s theme, “Innovate for Africa”, aims to showcase and interrogate the efforts and innovations from all over the African continent to improve the standard of childhood cancer care. The 2022 congress will be a hybrid event, combining on-site interactive events with a virtual platform co-hosted by St Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/global.html
