The Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) recently took part in the launch meeting of the HOPE4Kids project, which brought together more than seventy organizations from 23 European countries to transform palliative care for children with cancer and their families. This European Union Joint Action, coordinated by the Princess Máxima Center, involves an investment of 12 million euros and will run for four years.
Each year, 25,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Europe. For many of them, pediatric palliative care provides essential support that complements oncology treatment from the very beginning. Its goal is to relieve physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, offering families comprehensive guidance in decision-making throughout the course of the illness.
A Project to Change the Current Reality
In many European hospitals, care is focused primarily on cancer treatment, while specialized palliative care remains insufficient or unevenly distributed. HOPE4Kids was created to reverse this situation through:
– Knowledge exchange between countries
– Development of evidence-based European clinical guidelines
– Creation of practical tools for professionals and families
– Implementation of training programs for healthcare providers, educators, and caregivers
– Design of an Individual Care Plan applicable across Europe
The project brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and parent organizations: 20 research institutions, 21 hospitals, and three family associations are part of the consortium.
Voices from the Partners
“By working together across borders, we can learn from one another and grow. In this way, we jointly build a solid foundation for palliative care throughout Europe, placing the child and their family at the center.”
“We trust that HOPE4Kids will mark a turning point in pediatric palliative care in Europe, ensuring that every child with cancer receives the care they truly need, especially in the most difficult moments.”
Towards a More Supportive Europe
The project foresees tangible progress in the quality and availability of pediatric palliative care. Among these are digital support tools for home care, accessible information for parents and caregivers, and specialized training for teams accompanying children with cancer.
HOPE4Kids was officially inaugurated in October in Amsterdam, at a meeting that gathered 140 professionals and representatives of involved organizations. The initiative was co-driven by Máxima International, part of the Princess Máxima Center, whose mission is to strengthen international collaboration in pediatric oncology.
Funded by the EU4Health program, HOPE4Kids is part of the European Plan to Fight Cancer. Funding was granted by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).
“Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”
