More than 97% of children needing palliative care live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) accounting for 12% of this group.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
From 6 to 8 November 2024, the First Regional Interdisciplinary Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Workshop was held in Rabat, Morocco, fostering collaboration and co-learning to advance care in the region.
Organised by St. Jude Global in collaboration with the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the Paediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) group, and the Moroccan Society of Paediatric Haematology Oncology (SMHOP), brought together 52 participants from 12 countries from the region. The scientific committee included representatives from the EMR and prestigious organisations working towards making PPC accessible to children like World Health Organization (WHO), International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), St. Jude Global, the Franco-African Pediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP), and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC). Participants including physicians, nurses, social workers, and policymakers, shared insights, developed collaborative strategies to address regional PPC needs.
Core Themes and Interactive Learning
The programme, structured across three levels “micro” (patient care), “meso” (institutional services), and “macro” (national and regional programmes), ensured diverse perspectives and teamwork in providing holistic care.
Through interactive case-based discussions, simulations, and group activities, participants gained knowledge in pain management, ethical issues, communication, and integrating PPC into healthcare systems.
Cultural sensitivity, a crucial factor in the EMR, was addressed and participants were guided to identify actionable priorities for advancing PPC in their countries. This approach bridged the gap between theory and practice while emphasising collaboration to integrate PPC at institutional, national, and regional levels.
Policy Change and Community Awareness
Advocacy emerged as a cornerstone of progress, with participants encouraged to engage policymakers in recognising PPC as a healthcare priority and to foster public awareness and community involvement. Ongoing PPC work in private not-for-profit organisations, as well as foundation- or NGO-based institutions, enlightened participants about strategies for establishing PPC programmes. The discussions emphasised both shared and unique challenges influenced by cultural diversity, creating opportunities for participants to learn from one another and collaborate. It is particularly worthwhile noting the effacement of the language barrier through the interpretation services provided in situ.
Towards a Sustainable PPC Ecosystem
The unique feature was its focus on sustainability. Participants committed to ongoing education, community engagement, and advocacy, ensuring the impact extends beyond the workshop. Partnerships with organisations such as the WHO, ICPCN, St. Jude Global, GFAOP, and TWCC are expected to provide continued support. Additionally, efforts to integrate PPC into undergraduate and postgraduate medical education aim to equip future healthcare providers with palliative care skills.
Conclusion
The success of this workshop marks a significant milestone in building a robust PPC framework for the EMR. By fostering collaboration and providing a platform for knowledge sharing and practical skill development, this initiative lays the foundation for a compassionate, sustainable, and interdisciplinary approach to PPC, ensuring that children in the EMR with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses receive the care they deserve.
