In a landmark development for pediatric oncology in Central America, Belize has secured transformative funding from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to establish comprehensive childhood cancer treatment capabilities within the country by 2027. This breakthrough announcement came during the Belize Cancer Society’s annual Christmas celebration for cancer survivors and current patients.
The partnership represents the most significant advancement yet in Belize’s cross-border healthcare model, which has already dramatically improved survival rates from 38% to 67% over the past decade through collaboration with Mexico’s Hospital O’Horan in Mérida and the Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga.
Dr. Pablo Gonzalez Montalvo, a leading oncologist involved in the initiative, emphasized the historical challenges: ‘The strongest prognostic factor for childhood cancer isn’t the cancer type or stage—it’s the place of birth. Belizean children were previously destined to die from cancer not because of the disease itself, but due to lack of accessible treatment resources.’
Belize Cancer Society President Kim Simplis Barrow revealed that the first funding installment has already been received. The comprehensive program will enable chemotherapy administration, toxicity management, advanced imaging, pathology services, port catheter procedures, specialized nursing education, end-of-life care, and post-treatment follow-up at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Currently, families must undertake a grueling 12-hour journey to Mérida for an initial three-month inpatient stay, creating financial devastation and family separation that often leads to treatment abandonment. The new initiative will eliminate the need for extended foreign travel by establishing complete treatment capabilities within Belize, addressing what Dr. Montalvo describes as ‘an unbearable situation for families even with financial support.’
The Belize Cancer Society immediately begins implementation with assessments, training programs, and formalizing a bilateral agreement with Mexico in coming months, marking a commitment to healthcare equity and dignity for all Belizean children facing cancer.