Princess Máxima Center launches long-term collaboration with two centers in Bulgaria

Máxima International is launching a long-term collaboration with two pediatric oncology centers in Bulgaria: Tsaritsa Yoanna - ISUL in Sofia and UMHAT Sveti Georgi in Plovdiv. By sharing knowledge and experience and strengthening collaboration, the centers aim to improve care and quality of life for children with cancer in Bulgaria. In this way, the Máxima Center is also contributing to its mission beyond the Netherlands: to cure every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life. 

Exchanging knowledge and experience 

In Bulgaria, an estimated 150 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Together, the hospitals in Sofia and Plovdiv treat approximately 80% of these children. The hospital in Sofia treats children under the age of 18, while the hospital in Plovdiv treats children and young adults up to the age of 25. Bulgarian Minister of Health Katya Ivkova has expressed her support for establishing a pediatric oncology center of excellence in Sofia. 

‘Thanks to this collaboration, our healthcare professionals will have the opportunity to learn from Europe's leading experts in childhood cancer,’ says Lyubomir Penev, executive director of Tsaritsa Yoanna – ISUL in Sofia. ‘The collaboration also creates opportunities to improve access to specialist treatments for Bulgarian children with cancer. Together, we are working to provide the best possible care for our young patients.’ 

‘Through this collaboration, we are exchanging our specialist knowledge with colleagues in Bulgaria,’ says Rob Pieters, Chief Máxima International. ‘It is also encouraging to see that the Minister of Health recognizes the importance of establishing a national center of excellence for pediatric oncology in Sofia. We can support our colleagues by sharing our knowledge and experience in this specific domain.’ 

Improving pediatric oncology care together 

The collaboration focuses on improving diagnostics, treatment, and nursing care. Research and education will also play an important role. 

Staff from the Máxima Center will travel to Bulgaria to share knowledge and experience. In turn, Bulgarian healthcare professionals will visit the Máxima Center for training. 

We aim to support the centers in developing research and establishing standardized patient data recording. This will help evaluate treatments and improve long-term monitoring of children. This is a big step forward as the care currently is very fragmented. 

A long-term commitment to better care 

The collaboration goes beyond sharing knowledge between the three hospitals. Máxima International also aims to strengthen collaboration between the two centers and other hospitals and patient organizations in Bulgaria. In doing so, we support the further development of pediatric oncology care and work to improve access to specialist treatments.