International Projects of The National Society of Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologists

Abstract

Background and context: International cooperation is a key factor in the success of multicenter studies and educational projects, especially in LMICs. Aim: To describe projects of The National Society of Pediatric Hematologists and Oncologists (NSPHO) in the international collaboration. Strategy/Tactics: NSPHO international projects: optimization of care for children with cancer in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and developing relationship with international organizations such as UICC, SIOP (Asian region). Unique feature is that these projects based on collaboration between healthcare professionals and governments with support of leading institutions. Program/Policy process: Program based on online and off-line meetings and courses. CIS project (in collaboration with WHO and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) based on series of scientific and organizational meetings (online/off-line). Aim of this work is to organize a community of pediatric hematologists/oncologists of the region and prepare unique projects to improve the outcomes of treatment of pediatric cancer cases. Next meeting under the auspices if WHO will be held in Moscow in April 2018 (participants from 10 countries). The objectives of this meeting are to describe current situation of pediatric oncology care in the region, identify regional gaps in pediatric oncology care, and create collaborative project proposals to address identified gaps in care to improve pediatric cancer outcomes in the region. NSPHO working close with SIOP Asia: SIOP Asia Congress was organized in Moscow in 2016. Second project is developing of Directory of Asian Societies and Foundations in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology. Russian-Vietnamese collaborative group in pediatric hematology and oncology was formed in November 2017 in Vietnam. Second meeting of this group is planned for April 2018. Outcomes: More than 5 collaborative projects will be discussed such as CIS cancer registries, collaborative multicentre protocols, educational outreach projects, etc. As the deliverables the plan to publish a special report as well as a resolution to the Ministries of Health of CIS region. SIOP Asia Congress in Moscow was one of the most successful, attracted 1000 participants from 40 different countries attended. New relations were started. Directory of Asian Societies and Foundations in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology includes information on more than 40 organizations. Printed version will be presented at SIOP 2018 Congress in Kyoto. Several collaborative projects discussed in Russian-Vietnamese group. A “memorandum of understanding” was signed as a part of this meeting. It was decided to continue a series of scientific meetings as a part of collaboration. What was learned: Only active international collaboration supported by healthcare professionals and governments could lead to strong improvement of outcomes of pediatric cancer care in all countries worldwide.