Published in PLOS One on 2025-10-31, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Diriba Fufa, Abdulkadir Mohamedsaid, Aziza Shad, Daniel Hailu, Hailu Alemu, Haileyesu Adam, Julie Broas, Mamude Dinkye, Mulugeta Yimer, Tadele Hailu, Zewdie Birhanu
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0332074
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Ethiopia faces significant gaps in paediatric cancer care, with limited treatment centers and a shortage of trained professionals, leading to delayed diagnoses, high treatment abandonment, and mortality. Establishing Paediatric Cancer Satellite Clinics (PCSCs) in underserved regions offers a potential solution.
This study explores the needs, relevance, and feasibility of the Paediatric Cancer Satellite Clinic (PCSC) model in Ethiopia, identifying resources, opportunities, and barriers to guide its development and implementation.
This formative study was conducted from August to October 2023 in eight hospitals across Ethiopia, selected for establishing PCSCs. Data were collected through 19 focus group discussions (FGDs) with hospital and health system leaderships and purposively selected health professionals including physician, nurses, pharmacists and other categories. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti, with themes developed through iterative coding and categorization.
Participants consistently identified pediatric cancer as a significant community health issue, worsened by limited diagnostic and treatment facilities, leading to under diagnosis. The study revealed a strong unmet need for pediatric cancer care, with widespread support for establishing PCSCs to improve access. Participants expressed confidence in the feasibility and effectiveness of PCSCs, citing enablers such as existing adult oncology programs, patient demand, adequate staff, leadership interest, stakeholder support, and alignment with government plans. Opportunities included leadership backing, resource availability, partnerships with private labs, and community-based health insurance. However, challenges like inconsistent lab services and medical supplies, staff demotivation due to lack of risk allowances, role confusion, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), poor infection control, and insufficient psychosocial support were identified as potential barriers.
This study underscored the urgent need for pediatric cancer care and strong support for PCSCs as a feasible and appropriate solution. Although challenges like supply chain disruptions, staff demotivation, unclear role delineation, diagnostic limitations, safety concerns, and gaps in psychosocial support-, the strong commitment of healthcare providers offer a solid foundation for success. To ensure the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of PCSCs, these obstacles must be addressed through targeted improvements in diagnostics, enhanced staff support, strengthened safety protocols, and integrated psychosocial care.
Background
Pediatric cancer (PC) is one of the growing global health challenges. Worldwide, approximately 400,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in children 0–19 years of age each year [1], with the most common types including leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphomas. Despite advances in treatment, significant disparities exist between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in terms of burden of this diseases and access to lifesaving treatment. In high-income settings, 80% or more of children diagnosed with cancer survive for at least five years. However, in LMICs, the survival rate is much lower, often below 30%, due to challenges such as late diagnosis, limited access to effective treatment and care, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure [2].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2025 Diriba Fufa, Abdulkadir Mohamedsaid, Aziza Shad, Daniel Hailu, Hailu Alemu, Haileyesu Adam, Julie Broas, Mamude Dinkye, Mulugeta Yimer, Tadele Hailu, Zewdie Birhanu. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Implementation of a National Pediatric Cancer Registry in Ethiopia: A systems (“A3”) thinking approach
- Evidence brief: Challenges, opportunities and best practices in routine childhood vaccination services delivery in urban slums and pastoralist regions of Ethiopia: An exploratory qualitative study in marginalized settings
- Evidence brief: Early community reactions and acceptance of the Sliding-Scale Community Based Health Insurance Scheme in Ethiopia: Qualitative Findings from the treatment arm
