Management of cancer disease in Burundi, a health challenge.

Cancer is a major public health problem that affects every country in the world. Some countries, most often developed, have made significant diagnostic and therapeutic advances over the years, transforming cancer into a long-term chronic disease and sometimes permitting a cure, even at the metastatic stage. Other countries are lagging behind and the challenge posed by cancer remains as relevant as ever. Burundi is one of these countries as well as several others in the African region. For many years, the care of cancer patients in Burundi has been exported to foreign countries (Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, France, India…) in search of quality care. This is particularly possible for the more affluent, with a total cost much higher than a local dispensation. For this reason, the strengthening of the local health system, the establishment of dedicated infrastructure, the promotion of training and research in cancer as well as the strengthening of the information and education policy could help meet the challenge posed by cancer in Burundi.

Managing cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic: brief report from a North African single center.

The potential threat of COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of care for cancer patients is thought to be significant. Oncologists are weighing up the balance of risks and benefits carefully when planning daily cancer care and making treatment decisions in the face of rapid change during this public health crisis. This report describes management strategies and care models that have been adopted by a single Medical Oncology department in a North Africa, Morocco.