International Conference in Cyprus Aims to Bridge Gaps in Pediatric Cancer Care
In a bold move to address global disparities in childhood cancer treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Elpida Foundation for Cancer Children (Cyprus) are spearheading an international conference set to take place on February 13-14, 2025. This high-profile event, supported by key partners such as the groupe Franco-Africain d’Oncologie Pédiatrique (GFAOP), the European branch of the international Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP-E), and the WHO cooperation centre at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, aims to foster global collaboration and innovation in pediatric oncology.
A Call to Action: Every Child Deserves Protection Against Cancer
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While advancements in therapy have substantially improved outcomes for children in high-income countries, those in low- to medium-income nations continue to face stark inequalities in accessing life-saving treatments. “With this conference, a global campaign of the Elpida Foundation and Cyprus is initiated, which aims to promote international cooperation and innovation in pediatric oncology and ensure that every child has access to the necessary treatment and support,” the organizers stated.
Cyprus, strategically located in the mediterranean, is uniquely positioned to serve as a hub for cross-regional collaboration. The event is supported by the WHO country office in Cyprus, established in january 2023, to leverage the island’s strategic positioning and expertise. The conference aligns with the WHO’s vision to strengthen cross-regional cooperation for health and well-being and to showcase Cyprus’s potential in advancing pediatric oncology across Europe and beyond.
Event Highlights and Objectives
The conference will bring together representatives from the health professions, experts, policymakers, and scientists from three WHO regions: Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and Europe. Key focus areas include early detection, equal access to therapy, and capacity building.
The highlight of the event will be a high-ranking session on February 14, where Cyprus will launch its international initiative titled “Worldwide Hope for Children with Cancer – Close Gaps, Save Lives”. This initiative underscores the urgent need to eliminate disparities in childhood cancer care and ensure better support for patients and their families.
A Global Movement for Change
This conference represents a significant step forward in global efforts to address the challenges of pediatric oncology. By fostering international cooperation and sharing innovative strategies,the event aims to create a unified approach to tackling childhood cancer.| Key Details | Information |
|——————|—————–|
| Dates | February 13-14, 2025 |
| Location | Cyprus |
| Organizers | WHO, Elpida Foundation, GFAOP, SIOP-E, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital |
| Focus Areas | Early detection, equal access to therapy, capacity building |
| Initiative | “Worldwide hope for Children with Cancer – Close Gaps, Save Lives” |
The International Conference in Cyprus is more than just an event; it’s a call to action for the global community to unite in the fight against childhood cancer.By closing gaps and saving lives, this initiative aims to bring hope to children and families worldwide.For more information, visit the official event page here.
Strengthening Global Pediatric Oncology: Insights from an Expert on the Cyprus Conference
In a groundbreaking effort to address global disparities in childhood cancer treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Elpida Foundation for Cancer Children (Cyprus) are co-organizing an international conference in Cyprus on February 13-14, 2025. This event, supported by leading organizations in pediatric oncology, aims to foster cross-regional collaboration and innovation. We spoke wiht Dr. Maria Christoforou, a renowned pediatric oncologist and key contributor to the conference, to gain deeper insights into its objectives and potential impact.
Bridging the Gap in Childhood Cancer Care
Senior Editor: Dr. Christoforou, thank you for joining us. The conference’s initiative, “Worldwide Hope for Children with Cancer – Close Gaps, Save lives,” sounds incredibly impactful. Could you elaborate on the gaps it aims to address?
Dr. Maria Christoforou: Certainly. One of the most pressing issues in pediatric oncology is the disparity in access to care. While children in high-income countries have survival rates exceeding 80%, those in low- to middle-income regions frequently enough lack access to early detection, advanced therapies, and supportive care. This initiative focuses on eliminating these inequities by promoting equal access to therapy, investing in capacity building, and improving early detection mechanisms globally.
Cyprus as a Hub for Global Collaboration
Senior Editor: Why was Cyprus chosen as the location for this conference? How does its strategic positioning contribute to the event’s goals?
Dr. Maria Christoforou: Cyprus’s geographical location at the crossroads of europe, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean makes it an ideal hub for fostering cross-regional cooperation. The country has a long-standing commitment to advancing pediatric oncology through initiatives led by the Elpida Foundation.Additionally, the establishment of the WHO country office in Cyprus in 2023 has further amplified its role in promoting global health. This conference leverages cyprus’s unique position to bring together experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals from diverse regions to share knowledge and strategies.
Key Focus Areas and Expected Outcomes
Senior editor: The conference emphasizes early detection, equal access to therapy, and capacity building. How do these focus areas translate into actionable outcomes?
Dr. Maria Christoforou: These focus areas are critical pillars for transforming pediatric oncology care. Early detection is the first step in improving survival rates, and we’ll be discussing innovative diagnostic tools and awareness campaigns. Equal access to therapy involves addressing systemic barriers, such as affordability and infrastructure, through international collaboration and resource-sharing. Capacity building is about empowering healthcare systems in underserved regions by training medical professionals and investing in lasting solutions. We aim to create a unified framework that can be adapted and implemented globally.
The Role of international Partnerships
Senior Editor: The conference is supported by a diverse group of organizations, including GFAOP, SIOP-E, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. How do these partnerships enhance the event’s impact?
Dr. Maria Christoforou: These partnerships bring together a wealth of expertise and resources. The Groupe Franco-Africain d’Oncologie Pédiatrique (GFAOP), for example, has extensive experience in addressing pediatric cancer in Africa.The European branch of the International Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP-E) contributes cutting-edge research and best practices. Simultaneously occurring, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a global leader in advancing pediatric cancer treatment and research. By pooling our efforts, we can accelerate progress and ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against cancer.
A Global Movement for Change
Senior Editor: How does this conference represent a shift in global efforts to tackle childhood cancer?
Dr.Maria Christoforou: This conference is a call to action for the global community to unite in addressing the challenges of pediatric oncology. It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about creating actionable strategies and fostering sustained collaboration. By bringing together stakeholders from multiple regions, we can develop a cohesive approach that transcends borders. The launch of the “Worldwide hope for Children with Cancer” initiative during the high-ranking session on february 14 marks a notable milestone in this global movement.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Christoforou, thank you for sharing your insights. The Cyprus conference undoubtedly represents a pivotal moment in the fight against childhood cancer. Could you leave our readers with a final thought?
Dr. Maria Christoforou: Childhood cancer knows no borders, and neither should our efforts to combat it. This conference is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving change.Together,we can close the gaps in care,save lives,and bring hope to children and families worldwide. I encourage everyone to stay informed and support this vital initiative. For more details, visit the official event page.
