Kids Care Conference in Manila: 20 Years of Progress

The International Children’s Palliative Care Network celebrated two decades of work during its fourth global meeting in Manila, Philippines, from 12 to 15 November 2025. The event was held together with the Ruth Foundation and drew 419 participants from 49 nations, covering every region of the World Health Organization. The gathering focused on how far child palliative care has come and what still needs to be done so that the 21 million children who face life‑threatening illnesses can receive fair and effective support. Local highlights included the opening of a new pediatric palliative care unit at the National Children’s Hospital and community‑based models that helped the Philippine Pediatric Society officially recognise palliative care as a medical specialty.

Conference sessions were diverse: 155 research abstracts were presented, including oral talks, rapid‑fire presentations and poster displays. Keynotes, plenary panels, expert meetings and nine workshops covered leadership, research, advocacy, spiritual care, touch therapy and equity. A major theme was the advancement of health systems, integration of services, teamwork across disciplines and research that keeps families at its core. Another theme pushed forward digital tools, care in crisis zones, interprofessional leadership and giving children a louder voice through co‑design and creative therapies. Attendees praised the face‑to‑face format, noting that personal motivation and new collaborations were stronger than ever. The conference proved that in‑person meetings are essential for building relationships across borders, especially when resources are tight and climate or humanitarian crises loom.

Actions