Vietnam

2019 is the first full year of our programme in Vietnam. This year we are planning to make two programme visits to provide psychosocial support and training to healthcare professionals working with children with cancer in hospitals in Ho Chi Minh , Hue and Hanoi.

Programme centre

National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi

Hue Central Hospital, Hue

Children’s Hospitals #2 and City Children’s Hospital, Ho Chi Minh

Twinning centre

Asian Children's Care League (ACCL)

Contact

Megan Cruise

Psychosocial Support Advisor

Programme lead

CLIC Sargent Senior Social Work Practitioner from University London College Hospital, London

Background
Problems
Key Activities

While paediatric oncology medical outcomes are constantly improving in Vietnam and a number of organisations are working hard to improve the skills of paediatric oncology nurses and doctors in the country through different initiatives; abandonment rates remain high and are to be considered a serious threat for the success of any paediatric oncology programme in the country. We know that the most vulnerable families are much more likely to abandon treatment, for economic and cultural reasons.

Treatment abandonment rates are high
Children from the most vulnerable population are underserved and less likely to reach the appropriate care
Lack of psychologists and social workers to provide specialist support to families who have a child with cancer

Supporting the development of the role of a social worker: Currently the role of the Social Worker in Vietnam is mainly focused on providing financial guidance to families. We believe parents and parents’ groups will benefit greatly from the support of trained social workers dedicated to paediatric oncology patients. We are supporting this development through influencing and training.

World Child Cancer is increasing the psychosocial support knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals working within paediatric oncology by providing training and mentoring.