Capacity building for pediatric neuro-oncology in Pakistan- a project by my child matters program of Foundation S

• DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1325167
• Publication Date: 2024-02-29T13:21:42Z
• Authors: Naureen Mushtaq; Bilal Mazhar Qureshi; Gohar Javed; Nabeel Ashfaque S...; Saqib Kamran Bakhshi; Altaf Ali Laghari; Syed Ather Enam; Shayan Sirat Mahe...; Kiran Hilal; Arsalan Kabir; Alia Ahmad; Amber Goraya; Anum Salman Mistry; Aqeela Rashid; Ata Ur Rehman Maaz; Muhammad Atif Mun...; Atiq Ahmed Khan; Farrah Bashir; Hina Hashmi; Kamran Saeed; Kumail Khandwala; Lal Rehman; Michael C. Dewan; Muhammad Saghir Khan; Muneeb uddin Karim; Najma Shaheen; Nida Zia; Nuzhat Yasmeen; Raheela Mahmood; Riaz Ahmed Raja M...; Salman Kirmani; Shahzadi Resham; Shazia Kadri; Shazia Riaz; Syed Ahmer Hamid; Tariq Ghafoor; Uzma Imam; Yaseen Rauf Mushtaq; Zulfiqar Ali Rana; Eric Bouffet; Khurram Minhas
• Keywords: Capacity Building

Introduction Initiated in June 2019, this collaborative effort involved 15 public and private sector hospitals Pakistan. The primary objective was to enhance the capacity for pediatric neuro-oncology (PNO) care, supported by a My Child Matters/Foundation S grant. Methods We aimed establish operate Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MTBs) on national scale, covering 76% of population (185.7 million people). In response COVID-19 pandemic, MTBs transitioned videoconferencing. Fifteen with essential infrastructure participated, holding monthly sessions addressing diagnostic treatment challenges. Patient cases were anonymized confidentiality. Educational initiatives, originally planned as in-person events, shifted virtual format, enabling continued implementation collaboration despite pandemic constraints. Results A total 124 meetings conducted, 545 cases. To augment knowledge, awareness, expertise, over 40 longitudinal lectures organized healthcare professionals engaged PNO care. Additionally, two symposia international collaborators keynote speakers also held raise awareness. project achieved significant milestones, including development standardized protocols low-grade glioma, medulloblastoma, high-grade glioma. Further are currently under development. Notably, Pakistan's first fellowship program launched, producing graduates increasing number trained neuro-oncologists country three. Discussion initiative exemplifies potential building within low-middle income countries. Success is attributed intra-national twinning programs, emphasizing efforts. Efforts underway case registry PNO, ensuring comprehensive approach monitoring managing This initiative, grant, showcases success establishment protocols, regional tumor boards highlights sustainable improvements