title: The prioritisation of paediatrics and palliative care in cancer control plans in Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Given the burden of childhood cancer and palliative care need in Africa, this paper investigated the paediatric and palliative care elements in cancer control plans.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a comparative content analysis of accessible national cancer control plans in Africa, using a health systems perspective attentive to context, development, scope, and monitoring/evaluation. Burden estimates were derived from World Bank, World Health Organisation, and Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen national plans and one Africa-wide plan (10 English, 9 French) were accessible, representing 9 low-, 4 lower-middle-, and 5 upper-middle-income settings. Ten plans discussed cancer control in the context of noncommunicable diseases. Paediatric cancer was mentioned in 7 national plans, representing 5127 children, or 13% of the estimated continental burden for children aged 0-14 years. Palliative care needs were recognised in 11 national plans, representing 157 490 children, or 24% of the estimated Africa-wide burden for children aged 0-14 years; four plans specified paediatric palliative needs. Palliative care was itemised in four budgets. Sample indicators and equity measures were identified, including those highlighting contextual needs for treatment access and completion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognising explicit strategies and funding for paediatric and palliative services may guide prioritised cancer control efforts in resource-limited settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 721, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Oncology Service, Hôpital de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
authors.forename: A J J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.affiliation: Cheikh Khalifa Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harif
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 721, Memphis, TN 38105, USA [2] International Outreach Program, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000349:Africa; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006308:Health Systems Plans; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards