CSR

has reduced from 31% to 27% in the last 12 years,” she praised, adding that the YASKA centre would provide the children and their families with “a place for social and recreational activities, academic learning and support, therapeutic play and caregiver support”. More than 400,000 children and adolescents below 20 years old are estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) every year to be diagnosed with cancer, according to data from 2011. Statistics from the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) hospitalbased cancer registry show that approximately 117 children below the age of 12 in Brunei have been diagnosed with some form of cancer between 2010 to 2022.

Dr. Hajah Norehan also thanked the institutions and supporting partners who had been instrumental in the development and progress that YASKA has made over the last 12 years, recollecting the story of sevenyear-old Aishah, who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. “Her cancer journey was long and difficult. Aishah recently left us on the 3rd of May, 2023, after battling cancer for four years,” she revealed, explaining that Aishah’s mother had shared with them that throughout her treatment

Aishah’s fonder memories were the activities organised by YASKA in the Children’s Ward, particularly nail painting and baking. The NGO was founded in 2011 with the aim of supporting children with cancer, and their families, and to raise awareness of childhood cancer in Brunei Darussalam. Head to @yaska_ brunei on Instagram to volunteer your time or donate to the various activities and initiatives.

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IG: @yaska_brunei