The Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM), in collaboration with Dhiraagu, has launched a comprehensive toolkit aimed at supporting children diagnosed with cancer. This initiative is part of Dhiraagu's ongoing partnership with CSM to enhance cancer awareness in the country. The toolkit was developed with significant contributions from the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, emphasizing a collaborative approach to tackling this critical health issue.
CSM underscored the importance of early detection and treatment, highlighting the necessity of a robust support system from both schools and parents to help children navigate the challenges posed by cancer. The toolkit is designed to provide essential resources to facilitate this support.
In addition to the toolkit, Dhiraagu is committed to creating educational content to further raise awareness about childhood cancer. This initiative will include an animated song detailing cancer symptoms, a compelling cancer survivor's story, and a video series that underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.
Dhiraagu stated that caring for children is a cornerstone of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, aiming to foster an environment that promotes children’s health and development. September marks International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and according to CSM, the Maldives has one of the highest rates of childhood cancer in Asia, with approximately 4-5 percent of the population under 18 currently undergoing treatment.