In Vietnam, the standard of treatment for childhood cancers is higher than in our other programme countries and there are several international partners currently working there to improve treatment quality further. However, there is an exceptionally high level of treatment rejection and abandonment, usually by the most vulnerable families.

To respond to this need and reduce levels of treatment rejection and abandonment, we began a new programme to develop holistic psychosocial support services that will not only provide families with the means to access financial support, but will also provide emotional and practical support to strengthen their ability to cope with their child’s diagnosis and understand the importance of treatment.

By developing psychosocial services specifically geared towards meeting the needs of childhood cancer patients and their families, we aim to establish a model of best practice which can be replicated at other hospitals in Vietnam. We have established this service and the role of a specialist paediatric oncology Family Support Officer at Hue Central Hospital.