The Sri Lanka- Cambridge partnership was established in October 2025 between CGHP, Cambridge University Hospitals and the National Cancer Institute and is working to strengthen collaborative efforts in paediatric oncology.
Background to the project
Sri Lanka is a middle-income country in South Asia with a population of approximately 22 million; it has achieved remarkable progress in healthcare, particularly in maternal and child health, earning recognition from WHO and UNICEF. However, paediatric oncology remains a critical area of need, with significant challenges in resources, infrastructure, and access to advanced treatments.
Paediatric oncology is considered a subspecialty of oncology and is therefore based within the cancer hospital, rather than the general paediatric unit and staff are trained via the adult oncology pathway. Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama/National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka is currently the only dedicated centre for paediatric cancer care in the country.
There is thus a shortage of trained paediatric oncology specialists and a shortage of nursing staff in general, many of whom do not have specific paediatric oncology training. Staff are sometimes required to work 24-hour shifts, taking on significant responsibilities and managing a heavy workload.
Additionally, there are high paediatric mortality rates due to sepsis and limited access to targeted and precision therapies. There are limited palliative care services available but palliative care is not currently recognised as a formal speciality.
Project aims
This project aims to enhance the quality of paediatric oncology care in Sri Lanka through a sustainable, long-term partnership grounded in mutual learning and shared expertise. This includes addressing the following priorities:
- Parent education and awareness of Paediatric cancer
- Clinical support and multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Supporting the development of resource-adjusted chemotherapy protocols
- Developing a pathway for providing training support for postgraduate paediatric doctors from Sri Lanka in Cambridge University Hospital through the MTI (Medical Training Initiative) scheme in the East of England.
The first scoping visit of the Partnership took place in October 2025 whereby the Cambridge multidisciplinary team participated in a variety of clinical, academic, and partnership building activities and a memorandum of understanding was signed to formalise the partnership.
Can you help?
The Sri Lanka team are fundraising to enable improve outcomes for children with cancer in Sri Lanka and your donation can make a huge difference.
Working in partnership with Sri Lankan healthcare professionals, the team will work together to promote understanding of paediatric cancer, strengthen multidisciplinary team working, and build the capacity of healthcare workers in Sri Lanka to improve the lives of children living with cancer and their families.
Donate today