Health System Strengthening for Childhood Cancer in the Caribbean
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Cancer is among the leading causes of death in children under the age of 15 years. In high-income countries, pediatric cancer mortality has been reduced significantly. As a result of earlier diagnosis and effective treatment, survival rates are 80% or higher. In the Caribbean, pediatric cancer mortality continue to be high and survival rates significantly lower than high-income countries, where several Caribbean countries report 2-year overall survival of about 55%. This report summarizes the discussions and conclusions of the Health System Strengthening for Childhood Cancer in the Caribbean meeting convened in February 2020 by PAHO in collaboration with The Hospital for Sick Children, St. Jude’s, and local leaders to discuss strategies to improve childhood cancer care in the Region. On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, pediatric cancer experts and health authorities were convened by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and together with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discussed action to improve children cancer care in the Caribbean...Participants included approximately 40 representatives from Ministries of Health and from pediatric oncology from 9 Caribbean countries (The Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago) along with representatives from PAHO, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and The Hospital for Sick Children. |