Since 2006, there have been significant advancements in pediatric cancer care in Fiji, with the Twinning Program playing a crucial role in this transformation. This program is a partnership between the Christchurch Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre (CHOC) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
This week, Dr. Siobhan Cross, a pediatric cancer expert, alongside nurse practitioner Rachel Wilson, are visiting Fiji as part of their annual assessment of the Pediatric Oncology Units at CWMH and Aspen Hospital in Lautoka. Dr. Cross, who has over a decade of experience in this field, noted that in the past, Fiji lacked proper facilities for treating childhood cancers. However, this began to change with the initiation of the Twinning Program.
By 2013, the program had grown to include weekly video conferences and communications through WhatsApp and email, greatly enhancing the remote support and knowledge exchange between healthcare providers in Christchurch and Fiji.
Dr. Cross, who joined the initiative in 2021 after participating in video conferences since 2014, and Ms. Wilson, who has been involved since 2006, have both observed considerable progress. Dr. Cross recounted earlier days when there were no cancer treatments for children on the islands, and only a few were able to travel to New Zealand or Australia for treatment due to insurance or citizenship options.
Currently, Dr. Cross stated that roughly 70 to 80 percent of children under 15 in Fiji who need cancer care can receive treatment locally. While not all of these children are cured, efforts are underway to assess the outcomes of childhood cancer treatments over the past seven years, aiming to benchmark against global healthcare standards. There is a growing international community focused on improving cancer treatment outcomes for low- and middle-income countries with limited resources.
Dr. Cross emphasized that enhancing pediatric cancer care involves more than just making drugs available; it requires comprehensive support for affected families, which includes financial assistance, logistical aid, and emotional support. WOWS Kids Fiji plays a vital role in addressing these needs, helping families of childhood cancer patients navigate the complexities of treatment.
Overall, childhood cancer care in Fiji has transformed into a successful model of international collaboration and local development, showing remarkable advancements over the past fifteen years.