Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, with profound implications for cancer care management, particularly in the Global South. This abstract examines the challenges faced and adaptations implemented in resource-limited regions during the pandemic. Cancer care services, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, were severely affected due to healthcare resource reallocation, lockdown measures, and financial constraints. Vulnerable cancer patients faced increased risks due to immunosuppression and heightened susceptibility to COVID-19. In addition, socio-economic disparities and rural-urban healthcare inequities further exacerbated access challenges in low- and middle-income countries. In response to these challenges, innovative adaptations emerged to sustain cancer care delivery. Telemedicine was widely adopted for follow-up consultations and symptom management, though its implementation was hindered by limited digital infrastructure in rural areas. Decentralized care models, including community-based clinics and the training of local healthcare workers, ensured treatment continuity. Adjusted treatment protocols, such as shortened chemotherapy regimens and alternative radiation schedules, minimized hospital visits while maintaining care standards. Collaborative efforts involving governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies mobilized resources to support patients during the crisis. Additionally, targeted vaccination campaigns prioritized cancer patients and healthcare workers, mitigating infection risks in oncology settings. These adaptations underscore the resilience and innovation within healthcare systems in the Global South. However, they also highlight the urgent need to address structural inequities, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and build more robust, crisis-ready oncology systems. Lessons learned from this period can inform future strategies for improving cancer care delivery in resource-constrained settings, ensuring equitable and sustainable healthcare for vulnerable populations.