Background

With relative little resources health care professionals in Kosovo (photos) can cure many children whom otherwise would have no choice but to emigrate with their families or not have a chance to live at all.

Since November 2007 the Cure2Children Foundation has supported a project aiming at supporting local professionals and institutions to start treating children with low-risk leukemia. This was initiated by the Associazione SOS Infanzia nel Mondo in collaboration with the paediatric haematology-oncology service at Policlinico Gemelli in Rome and the Italian peace-keeping force in Kosovo (KFOR). After a preparation phase of almost a year, in August 2009, the first children with leukemia to be ever treated in Kosovo became a reality. This therapy was started at the paediatric oncology service of Prishtina University Hospital. In addition to financial support, Cure2Children provides drugs, diagnostic tools, training, shared guidelines and procedures pertinent to local realities as well as web-based information and communication tools. In parallel with medical care the project includes a family support program run by the mother of child treated for her leukemia at Policlinico Gemelli, which provides families with counselling, psychological support, logistical and financial help.

Aims

To support both financially and professionally local institutions and families in order to provide the best chances of cure to children with cancer, leukemia and severe blood diseases who would otherwise not have access to therapy.

Means

• Shared guidelines and procedures pertinent to local realities
• Diagnostic support
• Daily communication via web-based tools
• Monthly visits of health professionals
• Procurement of drugs and other supplies for the management of affected children
• Financial support and counselling of involved families

Activity summary as of September 2009

Overall expense: so far approximately 26,000 Euros

Milestones