Official launch of HOPE4Kids: European collaboration in palliative care for children with cancer

The Biosistemak team actively participated in the initial meeting of this key initiative, which will run for four years.

Last week in Amsterdam, a project was launched that represents a decisive step forward in paediatric palliative care in Europe. The initial meeting of the European Joint Action HOPE4Kids, which will run for four years, brought together more than 140 participants from over 70 European organisations committed to improving the quality of life of children with cancer and strengthening healthcare systems around paediatric palliative care. Biosistemak, as a beneficiary partner in the project, played an active role in the event, represented by Dolores Verdoy, project coordinator, and Maite Zabala, researcher.

HOPE4Kids, whose full name is “Holistic Palliative Care for Children in Europe”, is a coordinated effort by the Princess Máxima Center, which brings together more than seventy organisations from 23 countries. This project seeks to ensure that more children and families receive personalised care that addresses their physical, emotional and spiritual needs from the very beginning of diagnosis.

Focus on quality of life

Every year, around 25,000 children in Europe are diagnosed with cancer. The paediatric palliative care promoted by HOPE4Kids focuses on quality of life, symptom relief and offering families guidance throughout the process, including difficult decisions about treatment and end-of-life care. In contrast to traditional care in many hospitals, where direct treatment of the disease predominates, the project aims to place specialised palliative care as a fundamental and early part of paediatric cancer treatment.

The project brings together a European ecosystem where healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers and family organisations work closely together. It involves 20 research institutions, 21 hospitals and three parent organisations, and is backed by €12 million in funding from the European Union as part of the EU4Health programme.

The key role of the Institute

Biosistemak’s role in HOPE4Kids is strategic and multifaceted. Representing the Basque Country, the Institute leads the coordination and monitoring of the sustainability of the different interventions designed, as well as managing the pilot projects that will be implemented in the Basque Country to validate specific solutions in real environments.

HOPE4Kids represents a decisive step forward in the search for quality paediatric palliative care that is humane and tailored to the specific circumstances of each child and their family. The project aims to develop an Individual Care Plan applicable at European level, as well as to offer digital support for home care and facilitate access to information for families.

This comprehensive model, which combines clinical care, education and support for public policies, will position Hope4Kids as an initiative capable of transforming the lives of thousands of children with cancer across the continent. With HOPE4Kids, Biosistemak reaffirms its commitment to the Basque Country and Europe to lead innovation in paediatric palliative care that improves lives.