title: Asociación de Hemato-Oncología Pediátrica de Centro América (AHOPCA): a model for sustainable development in pediatric oncology.
abstract: Bridging the survival gap for children with cancer, between those (the great majority) in low and middle income countries (LMIC) and their economically advantaged counterparts, is a challenge that has been addressed by twinning institutions in high income countries with centers in LMIC. The long-established partnership between a Central American consortium--Asociación de Hemato-Oncología Pediátrica de Centro América (AHOPCA)--and institutions in Europe and North America provides a striking example of such a twinning program. The demonstrable success of this endeavor offers a model for improving the health outcomes of children with cancer worldwide. As this remarkable enterprise celebrates its 15th anniversary, it is appropriate to reflect on its origin, subsequent growth and development, and the lessons it provides for others embarking on or already engaged in similar journeys. Many challenges have been encountered and not all yet overcome. Commitment to the endeavor, collaboration in its achievements and determination to overcome obstacles collectively are the hallmarks that stamp AHOPCA as a particularly successful partnership in advancing pediatric oncology in the developing world.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology and Medicine, McMaster University and McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Ronald D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Antillón Klussmann
authors.forename: Fulgencio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baez
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonilla
authors.forename: Belgica
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Navarrete
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nieves
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peña
authors.forename: Valentino
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Conter
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Alarcón
authors.forename: Scott C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Raul C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Galindo
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Valsecchi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biondi
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Velez
authors.forename: Gianni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tognoni
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cavalli
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Masera
mesh_terms: D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002489:Central America; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D019468:Disease Management; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: cancer; centers; childhood; program; twinning