Resources that may help families affected by childhood cancer understand patient rights, access advocacy and legal support, and navigate healthcare, education, social protection, and other systems during and after treatment.
Legal support for families affected by childhood cancer can take different forms. Some organizations work directly on childhood cancer advocacy and patient rights, while others provide legal aid or help families understand healthcare and social rights. The resources below are intended as starting points for finding the type of help that may be relevant to your situation.
A global network of childhood cancer parent and patient organizations. CCI includes numerous organizations across Africa and can help families identify local childhood cancer groups that may provide advocacy, information, practical support, or referrals.
Works with healthcare partners and governments in low- and middle-income countries to improve childhood cancer care. Its work includes advocacy for childhood cancer to be prioritized in health systems and for children to have equal access to treatment and care.
The Africa branch of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. It supports childhood cancer work across African countries and is involved in advocacy, professional collaboration, and efforts to strengthen access to appropriate pediatric oncology care.
The Franco-African Pediatric Oncology Group works with pediatric oncology specialists in countries across North and sub-Saharan Africa. Its work focuses on improving childhood cancer treatment, supporting local pediatric oncology units, and strengthening childhood cancer care.
A South African childhood cancer organization that supports children and families throughout the cancer journey. CHOC also works to promote the rights, dignity, and well-being of children affected by cancer and their families.
An Ethiopian cancer organization that began with a focus on childhood cancer. The foundation works to promote cancer patients' rights to access treatment and other social and economic rights, while also providing support to pediatric cancer patients and their families.
A Kenyan organization supporting children with cancer and their caregivers. Its work includes helping families overcome practical barriers to treatment, including medical care, insurance, transportation, accommodation, nutrition, and psychosocial support.
A professional childhood cancer society in Ghana working to improve the survival and quality of life of children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Its work includes policy and community advocacy for improved care and welfare.
A Ghanaian childhood cancer organization supporting families with treatment-related costs and working to reduce barriers to childhood cancer care. It can be a useful starting point for families looking for cancer-specific assistance and information about navigating access to treatment.
CANSA's childhood cancer information and support resources connect families with practical, emotional, and community support. Its TLC programme also provides support services for children, teenagers, and families affected by cancer.
Kenya's government legal-aid service provides legal assistance in civil, children's, constitutional, and public-interest matters. It may be relevant to families affected by childhood cancer when a medical, family, child-rights, or other legal issue requires professional legal assistance.
A Ghanaian organization focused on making childhood cancer a national health priority. It supports children and families affected by cancer, works to improve access to treatment, and provides practical support throughout the cancer journey.
Legal support for families affected by childhood cancer can involve more than hiring a lawyer. Depending on the country, families may need help understanding patient rights, access to treatment, health insurance, disability or social benefits, education rights, family matters, or protection from discrimination. Some organizations listed here provide direct legal assistance, while others focus on childhood cancer advocacy, patient rights, healthcare access, or referrals to local services. Always check the official website to confirm eligibility and available services.
Your child's healthcare team, hospital social worker, patient advocate, childhood cancer organization, or local legal-aid service may also be able to help your family understand available rights, benefits, and support.