South-South Collaboration for Equitable Access to Oncological Treatment through Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)

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South-South Collaboration for Equitable Access to Oncological Treatment through Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)

Equitable access to oncological treatment through stem cell transplant (SCT) for children, adolescents, and young adults

Challenges

Stem cell transplant (SCT) encompasses a series of highly specialized therapeutic interventions that represent a healing opportunity for patients with severe hematological and oncological diseases. In the Andean subregion, the development of transplant centers varies significantly, leading to an unequal availability of different types of transplants.

Additionally, challenges related to the training and education of multidisciplinary teams responsible for managing SCT persist. To effectively address complex cases, optimize resources, and improve oncology care standards, it is essential to promote knowledge transfer and the exchange of best practices among institutions. Finally, the integration of SCT into national health policies remains limited in several Andean countries, which restricts equity in access to these innovative treatments.

Toward a Solution

This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of the Andean subregion to address stem cell transplant (SCT) in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer. It contributes to SDG 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) and SDG 17 (Revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development), aligning with the Andean Policy for Cancer Prevention and Control of ORAS-CONHU. Its goal is to improve therapeutic options through a South-South collaboration network, promoting equitable access to advanced treatments and the exchange of knowledge among specialized medical centers.

The SCT represents a significant advance in oncology, consolidating regional collaboration and positioning the Andean subregion as a benchmark in the comprehensive treatment of oncological diseases. The initiative has allowed the development of a Subregional SCT Guide (in process), which gathers scientific evidence, available resources, and technical cooperation strategies. A virtual SCT course for pediatric oncology patients was also created, hosted on the OPS virtual campus, with wide acceptance among health professionals.

The implementation process has been participatory, with technical teams in each country made up of experts in SCT, representatives from Health Ministries, international cooperation, and PAHO. Both virtual and in-person meetings have been held to coordinate activities. A previous south-south cooperation project on early detection of childhood cancer (2023), supported by PAHO, facilitated the articulation of work. A situational analysis presented at a subregional meeting in Chile (2024) allowed the mapping of centers with the greatest capacity in SCT, identifying Chile and Colombia as leaders in knowledge transfer to countries with lesser development in this area.

The achievements include the development of:

– 1 situational analysis of the status of SCT in the Andean subregion,

– 1 virtual course on SCT for pediatric oncology patients,

– 2 in-person subregional meetings,

– 18 virtual meetings,

– 1 Subregional Guide on SCT in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer.

The sustainability of the project is supported by its integration into national childhood cancer policies and its alignment with the Andean Roadmap 2024-2030. The political commitment of the Health Ministries is key to its continuity, ensuring that the SCT is included in national operational plans. Peru, for example, has proposed its explicit inclusion in its National Cancer Plan. In the future, there is a goal to consolidate an Andean technical network of SCT and strengthen national training according to the capabilities of transplant centers. Strategic partnerships with ORAS-CONHU, PAHO/WHO, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital contribute to the implementation and sustainability of the project.

This initiative has the potential to be replicated in countries with similar contexts. Cooperation through PAHO and subregional organizations facilitates integration and political commitment. Funding mechanisms, such as PAHO’s Cooperation among Countries for Health Development (CCHD), provide resources for its development and initial implementation. Collaboration with strategic partners is essential for its success and sustainability.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Daniela Zavando. National Consultant for NCDs, PAHO, Chile office

SDG
03 - Good Health and Well-being

COUNTRIES INVOLVED
United States of America

SUPPORTED BY
OPS, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hospital San Juan de Dios (Barcelona, Spain)

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