Mexico

This programme is supported by World Child Cancer USA and was first initiated following an identification of the need to develop a paediatric oncology programme in the region.

Programme Centres

Hospital del Nino DIF, Pachuca, Hidalgo

Hospital de la Ninez Oaxaquena, Oaxaca

Twinning Centre

Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, USA

Programme Leads

Dr Yannis Cortes & Dr Nalyn Lizeth Rodriguez Brindis

Regional Director: Dr Arturo Moreno Ramirez

Twinning Lead

Dr Tristan Flatt

Contact

Megan Parry

Programme Coordinator

Start Date

November 2015

Impact
Background
Problems
Key Activities

World Child Cancer USA is supporting 2 hospitals in Mexico following an initial needs assessment visit in 2015. Around 800 childhood cancer cases are expected in the southeast region of Mexico. Many of these children do not have access to diagnosis or treatment due to distance from the hospital and lack of awareness of the symptoms and curability of childhood cancer.

Low literacy rates within indigenous communities which results in difficulties in advancing knowledge of cancer
Poor data collection facilities and difficulties in tracking patients
Little training available for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating childhood cancer
Cost of treatment is only partially funded and result in a huge financial burden on families
Oaxaca has very basic facilities and lacks infrastructure, equipment, management and resources

Installed database system at both sites with supervision from the twinning partner
Training for local healthcare professionals through twinning visits and online tutorials / case reviews
Parent educational tools developed and translated into indigenous languages
Container of medical equipment funded for Oaxaca
Awareness raising in communities and for healthcare professionals to increase diagnosis rates
Parent support including transportation, accommodation
Pathology training to improve diagnosis accuracy

Reliable data collected to assess baseline conditions and provide a platform from which to monitor progress
Equipment container soon to arrive at Oaxaca
Research into social implications of indigenous patients and their specific needs
Long-term planning in the early stages of this new programme

Facts and Stats

51%

Children in Mexico diagnosed with cancer received no medical care prior to 2005
150

New childhood cancer cases diagnosed each year at the two programme centres
40%

Of patients are indigenous and do not speak Spanish