Princess Máxima Center has partnership with Academic Hospital Paramaribo
The Princess Máxima Center is partnering with the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) in Suriname. This collaboration, which began in 2023, aims to strengthen pediatric oncology care in Suriname.
Recently, Suriname opened its first-ever pediatric oncology treatment unit, but structured care for children with cancer is still new. The Máxima and AZP are committed to developing sustainable care options for children with cancer. Minke Huibers, pediatric oncology fellow, explains: ‘Every year, 20 to 30 children in Suriname are diagnosed with cancer. Until recently, these children had to go to Colombia for treatment. With the opening of a pediatric oncology center in Paramaribo, care can now be provided locally.’ However, this requires improvements in care, education, and diagnostics, which is where the collaboration with the Máxima Center comes in.
First pediatric oncologist in Suriname
The collaboration focuses on two key areas: care and education. Minke explains: ‘The Máxima Center supports AZP in improving treatment protocols and diagnostics. In addition, education plays a central role. Ritesh Matabadal started his pediatric oncology fellowship at the Princess Máxima Center this year. After 1.5 years, he will become the first pediatric oncologist in Suriname.’ Nurses are also being trained, led by pediatric oncology nurse Lisa Zwiers. The first group recently completed the basic training successfully, and a second group will finish in December. Most of the lessons are given online.
Equal opportunities worldwide
The Princess Máxima Center is the largest pediatric cancer center in Europe with an important mission: to cure every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life. Minke says: ‘This goal goes beyond the Dutch borders. Worldwide, and especially in low- and middle-income countries, survival rates for children with cancer are low. In the Netherlands, 1 in 4 children die with cancer; in countries like Suriname, the percentage is much higher.’ The Máxima Center is committed to equal opportunities worldwide and supports pediatric oncology projects in different countries. In line with our mission, we are working towards better care for every child with cancer, wherever they are in the world.
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