CHILDHOOD cancer in Fiji has often been overlooked, but not any more, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
He told the launch of the 2025 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month the issue has long suffered from national neglect.
“Like most things in Fiji, there’s been a lot of neglect in certain areas in the previous years,” he said.
“Childhood cancer is another challenge now brought to the Government’s attention.”
He said the Government is committed to supporting WOWS Kids Fiji, and acknowledged the alarming disparity in survival rates, only 20 percent in the Pacific compared to 80 percent globally.
“That’s a challenge for the Government, to try and lift the survival rate and invest in our children so they can live healthy, successful lives.”
Mr Kamikamica confirmed WOWS Kids Fiji is receiving government support through various ministries, including the Ministry of Women, and hinted at continued funding.
“Funding is normally an annual discussion for the Government.
“Ultimately, for a government to do more, and we need to do more, the economy needs to grow. So those two go hand in hand.”
Mr Kamikamica called on every Fijian, regardless of their means, to contribute to the cause.
“WOWS Kids Fiji is definitely a cause that needs a lot of assistance and support from everyone in Fiji be it $1 or $10,000.”
