Philippines

We are supporting the development of satellite centers on the island of Mindanao, with the aim of ensuring children can better access cancer care and that healthcare teams in the centers will be trained in appropriate referral pathways. Our partner St Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides twinning support to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao.

Programme Centres

Southern Philippines Medical Center

Twinning Centres

National University Hospital Singapore & St Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA

Programme Lead

Dr Mae Dolendo

Twinning Leads

Prof Quah & Dr Yeoh (Singapore), Dr Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo (USA)

Contact

Peria Freccero

Director of Programmes

Start Date

November 2014

Impact
Background
Problems
Key Activities

Around 1,000 cases of childhood cancer are expected in Mindanao annually but only around 30% of these cases are diagnosed. We have been supporting the work led by Dr Mae Dolendo since 2009 and over the initial 5 years of the programme contributed to strengthening of services provided at SPMC in Davao.

This next stage of development focuses on building the capacity of centres around the island to diagnose and treat children. Mindanao is a culturally rich and economically challenged area and travel across the island is too expensive for most people. Accessibility issues are addressed through the development of shared care centres around the island, making it easier for patients to receive diagnosis and treatment closer to their homes.

Lack of awareness of the symptoms and curability of childhood cancer
Late diagnosis and under diagnosis
High rates of abandonment
Poor accessibility as over 80% of patients live too far away to afford travel
Lack of access to a reliable supply of affordable drugs
No reliable childhood cancer database

Assess and maintain satellite centres in the Mindanao Paediatric Cancer Care Network
Provide training for staff at satellites to build their capacity in providing quality treatment and care
Develop a referral system to ensure children are tracked within the network
Evaluate and improve data collection systems
Support the local parent group in raising money for families
Establish a model of shared care for children with cancer
Provide key staff posts at satellite centre units

Established 4 effective shared care centres on the island of Mindanao
More than 1,300 children have been diagnosed with cancer since the start of the programme
Diagnosis at shared care centres has doubled the number of children being treated within the networks
Each satellite is staffed with trained, committed, home-grown teams providing quality care for children
Further satellites under investigation to continue improving access to care for as many children as possible
High quality family support provided through House of Hope, improving the psycho-social care available for children and carers

Facts and Stats

30%

Of childhood cancer cases diagnosed of the 1,000 expected each year in Mindanao
80%

Of patients live too far away to access treatment
2

Trained paediatric oncologist working in Mindanao
4

Satellite centres established across the island