Vietnam Strengthens Support for Children with Cancer, Focusing on Medical, Educational, and Financial Burdens

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, efforts are being intensified to support children suffering from serious illnesses, particularly cancer, and their families. Medical professionals, volunteers, and the community are collaborating to address not only the fight against the disease but also to maintain children's educational opportunities and alleviate the economic and psychological burdens associated with prolonged treatment. Hundreds of children in Ho Chi Minh City's pediatric hospitals are diagnosed with cancer each year, forcing them to interrupt their studies to focus on treatment. For instance, a 16-year-old boy, T, who lost his left arm due to bone cancer, is now battling metastasis to the lungs. Though he should be in high school, his repeated hospitalizations have caused him to fall behind in his studies. Currently, many children are sacrificing their childhood joys, such as summer holidays, to undergo treatment. The Clinical Hematology Department at Nhi Đồng City Hospital, one of the city's major pediatric hospitals, receives approximately 150 new patients annually. Of these, 30-40% suffer from leukemia, while the rest have brain tumors, lymphomas, or other solid tumors. Many of these conditions require long-term treatment, often spanning several years. Doctors emphasize the importance of not only medical treatment but also maintaining patients' physical and mental well-being. They point out that well-balanced nutrition, a positive psychological state, and family support account for about 50% of treatment efficacy. In economically disadvantaged families, parents often have to quit their jobs to care for their sick children, highlighting the need for financial assistance. Mr. Danh Phạm from An Giang province, whose daughter is undergoing leukemia treatment, came to the city with limited funds. Fortunately, with the help of medical staff, he received support for treatment costs and nutritious meals. In response, hospitals in the city are also providing educational support and psychological care. At Nhi Đồng City Hospital, a learning club named "Nét chữ xinh" (Beautiful Handwriting) operates twice a week, helping children maintain social connections through learning and play. Events such as toy donations and collective birthday parties are also organized to care for the children's mental health. Through these activities and fixed donations from supporters, hundreds of support cases are handled annually, and to date, no patient has had their treatment interrupted due to financial reasons. However, challenges remain regarding the psychological impact of post-treatment sequelae (such as limb amputation or effects of radiotherapy) and the difficulty of returning to studies. Furthermore, support for families who have quit their jobs to care for their children is also an ongoing concern. Nhi Đồng 2 Hospital, which handles over 1,000 inpatient and more than 500 outpatient cases of pediatric cancer annually, is constructing a new oncology building. During a recent visit, Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Thị Thanh Trà expressed her deep emotion and admiration for the children's resilience and hope for the future, emphasizing that they are not alone. Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee is collaborating with social welfare organizations to develop a plan to support all children with serious illnesses in the city's pediatric hospitals, aiming for implementation within the year. As Vietnam Family Day (June 28) approaches, while many families celebrate togetherness, there are fathers like Mr. Danh Phạm who stay by their children's side in hospitals, and children like T who are learning to grow up faster than their age. They need society's continuous support, providing nutritious meals, educational opportunities that foster hope for the future, and consistent accompaniment until they can fully reintegrate into normal life.