Building capacity to treat childhood cancer in Papua New Guinea: ‘It’s a multidisciplinary village’

Childhood cancer outcomes in low- and middle-income countries are impacted by the presentation of advanced disease and limited diagnostic and treatment resources. Papua New Guinea is highly populated with significant health coverage and workforce difficulties, in addition to unique geographical and political challenges affecting childhood cancer care. With improvements in communicable disease management, childhood cancer care has become an emerging need, managed by a dedicated service in Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). A longstanding partnership between PMGH and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Oceania has facilitated the development of a cancer registry, education/training, research, and technical support. We describe an in-country visit comprising a tailored childhood cancer workshop for health care workers, with advocacy and collaboration efforts. Goals included education, childhood cancer registry implementation, clinical support, stakeholder engagement and supply of practical resources. Outcomes include enhanced nursing capacity with the establishment of a national oncology nurses association for peer support and ongoing educational opportunities. Key learnings include identifying palliative care as an unmet need, unique cultural aspects allowing for future targeted education, further collaboration on adapted treatment regimens, and formalised multidisciplinary meetings for enhanced practice. This partnership demonstrates the positive effect of strong local champions partnering with supportive peer relationships in global oncology.