Children with cancer are a vulnerable category during the COVID-19 pandemic

(Patria) - The Covid-19 virus pandemic has brought new challenges to the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the population of children suffering from cancer and their families. Already immunocompromised due to severe diagnoses and even more severe and demanding medical treatment, children with cancer are one of the most vulnerable groups in BiH society due to the risks posed by the spread of infection.

The association "Heart for Children with Cancer" has adapted its activities to the new epidemiological situation in order to provide the most effective and complete support to our members in these difficult times. Thus, we have prepared 100 mini hygiene packages (disinfectants, protective masks, soaps, and other hygiene supplies) which the mobile team of the Association distributed to families across FBiH as an initial response to the lack of these items in pharmacies and retail chains. We have also provided donations for the hematology-oncology departments in Sarajevo and Tuzla, which consisted of protective equipment for medical staff, hand and surface disinfectants, hygiene supplies for maintaining hygiene in the departments, medicines not on the essential list, and some basic food items for children and accompanying mothers who are currently in the departments.

Also, due to the uncertainty and severity of the situation, we have made our two psychologists available to families of children with cancer, who are available online and by phone for all their concerns and if they are struggling to cope with the stress that such a situation brings. Our professional staff regularly communicates with children and parents who are undergoing treatment abroad, and in this way, we provide them with at least psychological support in a truly challenging time. We have also strived to create online content that we communicate through our social networks, which are infographics with instructions for all citizens of BiH on how they can protect themselves during the pandemic, and we have pointed out the importance of self-protection as a basis for protecting vulnerable parts of society, one of which is the population of our brave little ones. We have just launched an awareness campaign through video materials created by members of the Association from their homes, which relates to the importance of respecting the measures of competent institutions, self-protection, and isolation, with an emphasis on protecting the population of children with cancer.

Certainly, in the coming period, we will plan more activities aimed at children with cancer and their families, and we hope that together we will manage to overcome this difficult period, because the problems of children with cancer remain the same, and the current situation intensifies them, so support for them is even more necessary. In the coming period, we will prepare more aid packages for our families, which will include food items. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and be part of the team again in the fight for children with cancer. 

The humanitarian number 17010 is active. By calling, you donate 2 KM to help children with cancer!