Authors: Joan Marston, Rizwana Hussain, Dr. Spandana Rayala and Alex Daniels
According to recent UNICEF estimates, millions of children worldwide continue to be affected by humanitarian crises, many of whom require comprehensive and compassionate care. The need for children’s palliative care in these situations remains substantial, particularly where health systems are fragile and resources are limited.
Building on the momentum of previous initiatives in 2024 and 2025, the 2026 Children’s Palliative Care ECHO series for humanitarian crisis settings was implemented through a collaborative partnership between Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, Palliative Care in Humanitarian Aid Situations and Emergencies (PallCHASE), and the International Children’s Palliative Care Network. This virtual ECHO programme aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals working in crisis affected areas, supporting them to provide quality children’s palliative care in challenging environments.
Grounded in the Project ECHO model, the programme delivered structured, expert led learning through didactic teaching, case-based discussions, and interactive engagement. Participants were also encouraged to engage with ICPCN’s online course, Children’s Palliative Care in Humanitarian Settings, available through the Education and Membership Hub. The platform offers a range of educational resources, including recorded webinars and accredited online courses endorsed by the University of South Wales.
The 2026 cohort brought together 120 participants from 35 countries South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Participants included doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, creating a rich interdisciplinary learning environment. This diversity encouraged meaningful cross-cultural exchange and deeper discussion around the realities of providing children’s palliative care during humanitarian crises.
The programme consisted of weekly sessions covering key areas of children’s palliative care in crisis settings. Topics included communication, pain and symptom management, end of life care, grief and bereavement, provider wellbeing, advocacy and context responsive care.
A major strength of the programme was its multidisciplinary and international faculty. Experts from different regions brought extensive experience in humanitarian response, pediatric care, and palliative care practice. Their contributions ensured that the sessions remained practical, relevant and grounded in real world experiences.
“The extreme vulnerability of children living with serious health conditions in humanitarian crises calls for a strong collaborative response from the global children’s palliative care community. This well prepared course provided not only a comprehensive learning experience, but also fostered thoughtful discussions and built a compassionate and motivated community committed to supporting children and families affected by humanitarian crises worldwide. These children deserve the best possible palliative care. PallCHASE remains committed to integrating children’s palliative care into humanitarian health responses.” — Joan Marston, PallCHASE Executive Committee Member
Beyond the formal sessions, the programme fostered a global peer network that encouraged mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. For participants, it represented an important step toward providing more compassionate, holistic, and context appropriate care. Such initiatives remain vital for supporting healthcare providers in resource constrained settings and for ensuring that children experiencing serious health related suffering, and their families, receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Endorsement from global organizations, including the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the United Kingdom, further highlights the academic quality of the programme and its contribution to improving care for children in underserved settings.
