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Pediatric hematologist, Dr Siobhan Cross, to share at upcoming Global Health Symposium
Updates , 15 Oct 24
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of global health initiatives becomes ever more apparent. Among the distinguished speakers at the upcoming Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Pre-Conference Global Health Symposium is Dr Siobhan Cross, a prominent pediatric hematologist whose work extends to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by Pacific communities.

Dr Cross specialises in both non-malignant and malignant haematology, focusing on conditions such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and haemophilia. Her contributions to the field are substantial; she has published extensively on familial cancer syndromes, cancer registries, and barriers to clinical trial enrolment. 

One of her notable achievements is her role as the lead of the New Zealand National Children’s Cancer Network Pacific Working Group. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in adapting paediatric oncology protocols to meet the needs of Pacific Island nations, ensuring that children in these regions receive the best possible care. 

Dr Cross's work with the Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre (CHOC) in Christchurch has fostered valuable partnerships with healthcare providers in Fiji and other Pacific nations. Since its inception in 2004, CHOC has developed collaborative initiatives that have enabled children with cancer in the Pacific Islands to access potentially curative treatments. Known collectively as the PI protocols, these adapted guidelines have significantly improved survival rates for paediatric cancer patients in these resource-limited settings. 

“The benefits for the Pacific Islands are profound,” Dr Cross explains.  

“We’re able to offer potentially curative treatment to over half of young people presenting with cancers, and for those who don’t have curative options, we provide essential palliative care.” 

Regular videoconferencing and annual visits through the New Zealand Medical and Training Services facilitate ongoing education and the identification of barriers to care. Dr Cross is passionate about integrating these lessons into her practice and shares her experiences at forums like the Global Health Symposium. 

At the Global Health Symposium, Dr Cross aims to challenge prevailing notions that investing in paediatric cancer treatment in the Pacific is a waste of resources.  

“There’s a common misconception that funds could be better spent elsewhere,” she notes.  

“However, the evidence shows that as the burden of infectious diseases declines, investing in curative treatments for non-communicable diseases is not only ethical but also economically sensible.” 

Dr Cross believes that providing treatment for children with cancer can lead to improved quality of life and long-term economic benefits for communities. Each child saved represents not just a medical triumph but a future filled with potential.