Free University of Amsterdam
This international symposium on child cancer care in low- and middle-income countries brought together researchers, clinicians and students to reflect on the challenges as well as progress within global paediatric oncology. The meeting took place at VU University Amsterdam and brought together expertise from Kenya, Indonesia and the Netherlands around one central question: how do we improve access to timely and quality care for children with cancer in resource-limited contexts?
Childhood cancer care in low- and middle-income countries is characterised by complex challenges, including late diagnosis, limited access to treatment, logistic barriers and stigma around survival. At the same time, international collaborations and context-specific innovations show that sustainable improvements are possible.
The day was opened by Prof. Gertjan Kaspers, director of Máxima International at the Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, who stressed the importance of global partnerships in paediatric oncology.
Subsequently Dr Festus Njuguna (Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya) an introduction to the global burden of disease and the most common forms of childhood cancers. He discussed the structural bottlenecks in low-resource settings, including limited diagnostic infrastructure, financial barriers and delays in referral.
Laura van Tinteren, programme manager at the Princess Máxima Centre, discussed the role of international partnerships in strengthening healthcare systems and improving treatment outcomes. She showed how cooperation between institutions in different countries can contribute to capacity building, knowledge exchange and sustainable system strengthening.
A major theme of the symposium was stigma and survivorship. Prof. Dr. Mei Neni Sitaresmi (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia) shared clinical and research insights on the long-term consequences of childhood cancer and the social impact of survival. Despite increasing survival rates, physical limitations and social exclusion remain a reality for many children and their families.
The symposium concluded with the public promotion of Larissa Klootwijk, Physician International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Princess Máxima Centre. Her thesis examined barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer in Kenya and identified strategies to improve access to care within existing health structures. Her research highlighted the importance of systemic interventions, local embeddedness and international collaboration.
The meeting was characterised by a strong multidisciplinary exchange between clinicians, researchers, policy stakeholders and students. By combining perspectives from different countries and disciplines, the symposium offered both scientific depth and practical tools for strengthening equitable paediatric oncology care worldwide.
For questions about this symposium, contact could be made at info@kcgh.nl.
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