CanKids Fights COVID-19
The rapidly increasing COVID-19 crisis put our childhood cancer warriors, healthcare workers, and cancer survivors in grave danger. Highly dependent on an overloaded medical system, already immunocompromised children with cancer are currently a very vulnerable segment. With more and more wards turning into isolation wards, the risk of exposure was extremely high.
The CanKids Emergency Response team worked on a war footing with all stakeholders from hospital administrations, healthcare professionals, and staff at our centers, as well as making a policy-level difference with the government. In parallel, our team acted to solve ground-level problems and issues. CanKids began arranging for transportation (ambulance), food, and lodging for cancer-affected child and their families. We also sanctioned COVID tests, even before they became almost mandatory to procure new hospital admissions.
The CanKids Emergency Response team worked on a war footing with all stakeholders from hospital administrations, healthcare professionals, and staff at our centers, as well as making a policy-level difference with the government. In parallel, our team acted to solve ground-level problems and issues. CanKids began arranging for transportation (ambulance), food, and lodging for cancer-affected child and their families. We also sanctioned COVID tests, even before they became almost mandatory to procure new hospital admissions.
The Reality
- Many cancer hospitals did not admit patients for long durations, only providing day care chemotherapy.
- Due to a soaring demand at the height of the pandemic, ambulances had to be arranged at above normal costs, especially when seeking permissions to move across state borders.
- Diagnostics and tests were not available and had to be procured from external vendors.
- CanKids distributed masks and PPE kits to children, parents, and the healthcare professionals we partner, as well as sanitisers and cleaning materials.
To meet these and other unexpected costs we launched our COVID-specific fundraiser in partnership with Milaap, here.
A Safety Message From Our Survivor Champions
Our teenage and young adult childhood cancer survivors under the KidsCan Konnect group played a key role in creating awareness about the cause. They scripted and performed (and even made) their own films.
FAQs For Families Of Children With Cancer
How can COVID-19 affect my child who is undergoing cancer treatment?
Although global data shows that infection is milder in children than in adults, a child undergoing cancer treatment with low immunity, is highly susceptible to catching infections. COVID is no exception. Preventive measures must be strictly followed by the child and caregivers.
What precautions should we take considering the child health status?
The guidelines remain generic for all for the moment, but the adherence becomes more important for a child undergoing treatment. CanKids' social support team regularly provides awareness on preventive measures like:
- Hand hygiene
- Respiratory hygiene and coughing etiquettes
- Other personal hygiene
- Environmental hygiene
- Food and water safety
Should the child undergoing treatment wear face mask?
Yes! Face masks play a very important role in clinical set-ups like hospitals. Face masks must be worn correctly, changed frequently, and disposed properly.
What should I do if my child develops a fever or any other symptoms?
Take the child to the treating doctor/health care provider for assessment and treatment as per local policy. Inform the doctor if you suspect your child has had contact with someone with COVID-19.
Will there be any change of my child’s cancer treatment status if affected with COVID?
Any change in the treatment protocol is for the doctor to decide. But considering the cancer history, any probability of getting infected with COVID will only worsen the child’s health so take appropriate preventive measures.
Currently only a few hospitals propose postponements in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, but in emergencies these are continued. If a child's treatment date is coming up, speak to the doctor or CanKids' Social Support Team before reaching the treating centre.
Currently only a few hospitals propose postponements in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, but in emergencies these are continued. If a child's treatment date is coming up, speak to the doctor or CanKids' Social Support Team before reaching the treating centre.
Can I meet my relative or visitor?
No. As an advisory by the government for your safety it’s highly suggested to not meet with any visitor. Stick to phone or video calls. Remember to be careful while handling mobile phones. They can act as a potential source of transmission. Good hand hygiene reduces the risk.
Should I cancel my child’s treatment or follow up appointments at the hospital?
This is for the treating doctor to decide. Contact your CanKids Social Support Team to know what steps to follow. The chief focus will be to provide essential services, helping those most at risk to access the right treatment.
Can my child be infected even at home?
Yes! Anyone moving in or out of the home can carry the infection. Follow good hand hygiene and social distancing, both at home and outside. Make sure to change clothes and bathe whenever coming from outside (especially from a hospital). Wash all fruits, vegetables, milk packets, other food from outside.
Unless very urgent, don’t go out.
Unless very urgent, don’t go out.
What if other patients in the cancer care ward have COVID?
COVID screenings and cancer treatment are done separately in hospitals. COVID-positive patients are kept in isolation, sometimes outside the hospital. Any equipment that comes in contact with the suspected or positive case is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. However an asymptomatic COVID case has the potential to spread the virus.
Always wear a mask when entering the hospital, and maintain social distancing.
Always wear a mask when entering the hospital, and maintain social distancing.
Can I go back to my village?
The child is here for a purpose which is for the completion of their cancer treatment. The doctor is the best person to advise going back or not, in consultation with the manager of the CanKids Home Away From Home and the patient's family. Follow the latest government protocols for travel and transport.
How do I keep myself update on COVID 19?
Please be accurately informed and talk to the manager of the Home Away From Home. Avoid unverified, incorrect information on social media.
Whom should we contact at the time of doubt and/or crisis?
The manager/supervisor of the Home Away From Home are trained to give you all relevant information and updates on COVID-19. They may contact their regional on national helplines (1075) to provide you further information.
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 Downloadable Resources
|
Covid Emergency Response Document (Internal Use)
|
Covid Activity Booklet For Children
| ||||