Sasko and Dutch Ambassador Discuss Pediatric Oncology Cooperation

Bratislava, November 18 (TASR) - Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) welcomed Gabriella Sancisi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on Monday, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of pediatric oncology, TASR learnt from the Health Ministry's communication department on the same day. "The progress in the treatment of childhood cancer in Slovakia is the result of close cooperation among medical experts at the national level, as well as strong collaboration between the Slovak Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands," Sasko said. Bilateral cooperation between Slovakia and the Netherlands has already led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, the exchange of know-how, innovative treatments, science and research in pediatric oncology, the ministry stated. "The memorandum was signed in 2023 between the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, the National Institute of Children's Diseases (NUDCH) and the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht," he mentioned. The ministry noted that the above mentioned centre is a facility of excellence and expertise in pediatric oncology, offering comprehensive and multidisciplinary services to its patients. According to the ministry, this is why cooperation between the two countries in the field of pediatric oncology is focused on establishing a high-level national centre for pediatric oncology in Slovakia, which is intended to centralise efforts in science and expertise in one place and contribute to the European Union's goal of reducing mortality. tl/mcs/zel