Pediatric Oncology in Colombia

Facing the challenge of developing pediatric oncology in developing countries is not easy. Limited resources and socio-economic constraints are the main obstacles.

Colombia's new National Health System has increased accessibility to care but does not provide all the facilities required for high-quality care of cancer patients. Although specialists are fully committed to pediatric oncology, lack of drugs and general medical supplies, together with the lack of high technology laboratory facilities such as molecular biology labs, all contribute to the high mortality rates in our patients. It might help if international organizations such as the INCTR and WHO could influence government policies.

The National Association of Pediatric Oncologists/Hematologists has recently been established. Our aim is to conduct cooperative multicenter epidemiological studies in order to increase survival rates in children with cancer, despite our economic constraints.

The Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali has become an associate member of the INCTR. We hope to strengthen this association and work closely in clinical research, also benefiting from INCTR's strategic approach to building capacity.

We look forward to continuing to develop cancer control under the guidance of the INCTR.

Dr. Margarita Quintero de Charry
Department of Pediatrics
Hospital Universitario del Valle
Cali, Colombia