Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma
Published on: October 14, 2016
Global child health priorities: what role for paediatric oncologists?
Stewart J Kellie1, Scott C Howard
1School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. stewartk@chw.edu.au
Insights
Millions of children die from preventable diseases, yet childhood cancer survival is low in low-income countries. This review assesses the role of international paediatric oncology collaboration in improving care and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Paediatric Oncology
- International Health Equity
Background:
- Millions of children under five in low-income countries die annually from preventable diseases.
- Childhood cancer is a leading disease-related cause of death in children globally, with significantly lower survival rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Limited access to curative treatment in LMICs contributes to poor outcomes for the 200,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the health challenges faced by children in low-income countries.
- To assess the role and impact of international paediatric oncology collaboration in improving childhood cancer care.
- To discuss the ethical considerations and feasibility of paediatric cancer treatment in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of global child mortality and childhood cancer statistics.
- Analysis of the impact of international partnerships and 'twinning' programs in paediatric oncology.
- Ethical and practical considerations for enhancing cancer care in LMICs.
Main Results:
- Diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria cause millions of deaths in young children, while childhood cancer accounts for a smaller but significant proportion.
- Survival rates for childhood cancer are drastically lower in LMICs (approx. 25%) compared to high-income countries (approx. 80%).
- The review explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of international collaborations in addressing these disparities.
Conclusions:
- Despite competing public health priorities, there is a critical need to address childhood cancer in low-income countries.
- International collaboration in paediatric oncology can play a vital role in improving access to treatment and survival rates.
- Ethical frameworks and sustainable partnerships are essential for effective global paediatric cancer care.
Abstract:
Despite increasing globalisation, international mobility and economic interdependence, 9.7 million children aged less than 5 years in low income countries will die this year, almost all from preventable or treatable diseases. Diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria account for 5 million of these deaths each year, compared to about 150,000 deaths from childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, 80% of the 50,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year survive, yet cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of childhood death. In low- and middle-income countries, where 80% of children live, the 200,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year have limited access to curative treatment, and only about 25% survive. Some might argue that death from paediatric cancer in poor countries is insignificant compared to death from other causes, and that scarce health resources may be better used in other areas of public health. Is there a role for the treatment of children with cancer in these regions? Do international partnerships or 'twinning' programmes enhance local health care or detract from other public health priorities? What is ethical and what is possible? This review examines the health challenges faced by infants and children in low-income countries, and assesses the role and impact of international paediatric oncology collaboration to improve childhood cancer care worldwide.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...