In a recent virtual call with the KnowTheGlow team Megan Webber, Co-founder; Helene Dameris, Director of Global Outreach; and Ruth Ngaruiya, Program Manager for Africa, Professor Gita Naidu discussed her work in childhood cancer care. She shared that she is currently the Director of Childhood Cancer for the Sub-Saharan Africa Region at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a role in which she supports and strengthens childhood cancer care systems across the region, building on more than two decades of clinical, advocacy, and leadership experience in South Africa.
Before taking on this regional position, Prof. Naidu spent almost thirty years caring for children with cancer at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, one of the busiest hospitals in Africa, and served as Clinical Head of Paediatric Oncology there as well as the Academic Head of Paediatric Oncology at the University of the Witwatersrand. Alongside her colleagues, she played a central role in shaping childhood cancer care in South Africa.
Her focus has always been clear, to help families recognize symptoms early, make sure children reach treatment quickly, and support them after treatment.
With only about 25 pediatric oncologists serving the entire country, the need is immense. Even so, Prof. Naidu’s efforts have led to meaningful progress. She was part of the team that developed the SILUAN Early Warning Signs for Childhood Cancer, where leukocoria, The Glow, is listed as a key symptom. Through her advocacy, retinoblastoma has been added in an addendum to the provincial Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines in Gauteng, and she is continuing to push for its inclusion at the national level.
Much of her work has been informed by the realities families face. A study she led showed that although many mothers notice symptoms early, financial barriers, lack of recognition at the primary healthcare level, and long distances to care can cause delays of up to eight months before a child reaches an oncology center. Community awareness efforts have already shortened this time by half, but she believes more must be done.
“Sometimes a mother sees The Glow immediately but cannot travel until her husband returns with money,” she explained. “By that time, the disease may have advanced. Awareness must go hand in hand with access.”
Her commitment extends far beyond the hospital. She works closely with traditional healers, church leaders, and local community groups to help families receive accurate information and support. She is also advocating for the childhood cancer warning signs to be printed on the “Road to Health” chart that all parents receive when a child is born. This small addition could bring lifesaving awareness into every home.
Prof. Naidu is also leading work on treatment abandonment, supported by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, looking closely at the financial and social pressures that cause families to stop treatment. She continues to mentor and support younger clinicians, including colleagues updating national retinoblastoma guidelines.
Much of what drives Prof. Naidu comes from her personal history. She is a sixth-generation South African whose forefathers arrived as indentured laborers. She was the first in her large family to attend university, medicine was not her initial dream. But her father, considering the limitations of apartheid South Africa, encouraged her to pursue a career with more opportunities. A life-changing scholarship to medical school set her on a new path, almost by default.
Among the many stories she shared, one stands out. A former patient, once critically ill, is now an engineer, married, and raising three children. “Those moments remind me why this work matters,” she said and these brave heroes are wonderful examples of what is now possible in South Africa.
“Prof. Naidu’s commitment to early diagnosis aligns very closely with our work at KnowTheGlow,” said Megan. “She has already built the networks and systems that make awareness effective. Our goal is to support and amplify that work through our South Africa campaign.”
For Prof. Naidu, every child who reaches treatment on time is a victory. Through her dedication, training, and community engagement, she is helping families recognize early warning signs like The Glow and get the care they need turning awareness into action and hope into reality. KTG looks forward to sharing more about her impact in the future!
