Date and Venue

The training workshop took place on the June 14th 2024 at the Event Epic Center, Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon. The training team arrived at the venue at about 8am preparing to kick start with the training. At 10:30am we had arrival and registration of participants, at 11:30am, we had opening and greetings.

Training Team

The members of the training team were; Dr Mbah Glenn; the director of childhood cancer in Cameroon, Mr Jator Brian and Mme Yvonne.

Attendance

A total of 26 participants took part in the workshop among which were the volunteers whose names are listed below:

• Konyi Christian
• Chi Brian
• Andin Ashley
• Kumah Confidence
• Yisa Ethienne

Opening

The overall goal of the training workshop was to introduce the participants to the reality of childhood cancer and equally to create awareness. Additionally, the training gave insight on the various warning signs of childhood cancer, signs and symptoms as well as the advantages of early and the danger of late diagnosis respectively. The training workshop was opened at about 11:55 am with a welcome statement from Mme Yvonne.

Workshop Session and Discussion

The meeting started by the participants introducing themselves and it was immediately followed by the presentation of the meeting agenda by Mme Yvonne. This was as follows:

Agenda

• Module 1; Introduction to childhood cancer statistics in Cameroon/AACC
• Module 2; Early warning signs of childhood cancer
• Module 3; Common and curable childhood cancers, Common myths of childhood cancer, presentation of brochure and flyer, how to prepare for outreach, question and answers, family pictures, refreshment and benediction.

Introduction of Action Against Childhood Cancer (AACC)

The CEO of AACC for Bamenda, Mr Sancho Ferdinard Pinakoh, gave a talk about childhood cancer. He further elaborated on the mission of the organization which is “To facilitate accessible and innovative solutions for the treatment and care of children with cancer and their families” as well as the vision of the organization “Recovery and productive life for all children with cancer”.

Module 1; Childhood Statistics in Cameroon

Mme Yvonne talked about cancer, early signs, and general statistics of cancer and age of childhood cancer (0-14 years). She concluded by answering the general questions posted by the participants.

Module 2; Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer

Mr Jator Brian presented on the early warning signs of cancer, general signs and symptoms, and the definition of cancer. He listed two hub centers in Cameroon who treat childhood cancer; the Chantal Biya Foundation and the Bingo Baptist Hospital and satellite centers among which were; Bamenda Regional Hospital, Mutengene Baptist Hospital, Mboppi Baptist Hospital, etc. He further listed 8 types of childhood cancers, their symptoms, and signs. He ended with a take-home message: cancer is curable when discovered early enough.

Module 3; Common Myths of Childhood Cancer/Presentation of Brochures and Flyers

Mme Yvonne coordinated the session where some of the myths mentioned were; cancer is contagious, while the CEO shared flyers.

Common and Curable Childhood Cancer

Dr Mbah Glenn, the nation's coordinator for Childhood Cancer, presented on the common and curable childhood cancers. He differentiated between adult and childhood cancer. He gave the participants a talk on how anyone can save a child with cancer. He stated that most cancer in children generally has no known cause and elaborated more about the various types of cancers, stating their signs and symptoms, how they can be cured, and the effect of the cure.

How to Prepare for a Community Outreach

Mr Jator Brian gave tips on how to prepare for outreach in order to create awareness in the community. He listed 13 explainable points on how to effectively prepare for an outreach.

Closing

At 3:30pm closing remarks and family pictures were taken, and at 4:02pm lunch was served and the workshop ended. Transport was allocated to participants, and departure followed.