The 16th Biennial SIOP Africa Congress will take place from April 13 to 17, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together the global pediatric oncology community for one of the most important regional meetings dedicated to childhood cancer care. Hosted at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, the congress will convene clinicians, researchers, nurses, advocates, and survivors from across Africa and beyond, united by a shared mission to improve outcomes for children with cancer.
Under the theme “Building collaborative networks for paediatric oncology across Africa,” the 2026 congress emphasizes the critical role of partnerships across disciplines, institutions, and borders in driving progress. The meeting will highlight African-led solutions, foster scientific exchange, and promote collaboration aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and advancing research tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.
Beyond its scientific program, SIOP Africa 2026 represents a platform for connection, innovation, and shared purpose. It will showcase emerging research, encourage new collaborations, and amplify the voices of professionals shaping the future of pediatric oncology in Africa, all aligned with the overarching vision that no child should die of cancer and that equitable care must be accessible to all.
Here are 20 insightful highlights you shouldn’t miss from leading experts, showcasing key perspectives, research priorities, and important discussions shared during the SIOP Africa Congress 2026, focused on advancing pediatric oncology care across the continent.
“Over the last 18 months, I have experienced a redefined approach to leadership “Adaptive Leadership”. At first, it feels unfamiliar, even unconventional, because it doesn’t always align with the technical or traditional ways of doing things. Yet, it does not break what works; rather, it builds on it to produce even greater results.
This perspective has shaped how I see leadership, making it easier to recognize and truly celebrate it when it shows up in practice. And that is exactly what I have seen in Dr. Adeseye Akinsete
I have had the privilege of working around him over the past eight years, but more closely in the last 24 months during the planning of the SIOP Africa Congress 2026. Dr. A, as we fondly call him, consistently demonstrated leadership from start to finish in a way that brings the concept of adaptive leadership live to me
These are not just words to celebrate a leader after a successful project. I saw, in real time, what I have been taught almost 2 years being applied in practice. It affirmed for me that this model of leadership is not only real, but entirely possible.
Thank you, sir, for being outstanding. I have learned so much from you over the past 24 months.”
“A pleasure to meet the three inspiring leaders of the SIOP Women Leaders Almanac—Aziza T. Shad, Aziza Shad
Sara Ebrahim, and Laila Hessissen—at SIOP Africa 2026, Lagos, Nigeria.
Prof. Aziza is a truly inspirational pediatric oncology professional for many across LMICs. Moments like this remind us how powerful mentorship and leadership are in shaping the future of childhood cancer care. Congratulations for the well deserved recognition prof. Aziza Shad.
We are especially proud to see this legacy reflected back home, with the graduation of Ethiopia’s first pediatric hematologists and oncologists—Tigist Chalachew and Hiyaw Abebe—who completed their fellowship at Addis Ababa University in 2025. Sara Ebrahim is doing remarkable work through TPCCO, strengthening pediatric oncology care and collaboration across the regions in Ethiopia.
They are truly following in the footsteps of such remarkable role models, and represent a hopeful future for pediatric oncology in Ethiopia and Africa.”
“Delivering my plenary talk on Health System Readiness for Pediatric Oncology was an opportunity to challenge some of our assumptions.
Too often, we start with infrastructure.
But health systems are not built with buildings — they are built with people and leadership.
In many African settings, pediatric oncology cannot — and should not — be developed as a standalone, vertical program.
It must be anchored within maternal and child health systems, and fully integrated into existing care pathways.
The real question is not: Do we have enough resources?
It is: Are we designing systems that fit reality?
Choose systems that are fit for purpose and adaptable
Invest in workforce and leadership first
Build models that are resilient to global challenges — climate, environmental, and geopolitical
And ensure pediatric oncology becomes a driver of health system strengthening, not an exception
Because in the end:
We should not aim to replicate models — we should build systems that work.
GFAOP -Groupe Franco Africain d’Oncologie Pédiatrique ”
“Honoured to have Medserve-LUTH Cancer Centre well represented at SIOP AFRICA 2026 – International Society of Paediatrics Oncology. It was a privilege to be surrounded by like-minded professionals and institutions united by a shared goal — advancing childhood cancer care and improving outcomes across Africa. Together, we continue to make meaningful strides”
” Naija no dey carry last. Lagos didn’t come to play. Neither are we.
I’m in Lagos, Marriott Hotel Ikeja, for the 16th Biennial SIOP Africa Congress, and I’ll be honest, my brain is buzzing.
We’re here because too many children in Africa still die from cancers that are curable elsewhere. That stops. Starting this week.
Theme this year is “Building collaborative networks for paediatric oncology across Africa”. But not the handshake-and-smile kind of collaboration, but the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-share-scarce-resources kind.
A few things actually getting me excited:
1) AI helping us catch diagnoses faster, even in low-resource settings
2) Survivors on the mic, not just in the audience
3) Workshops that feel like cheat codes for real-world care
Lagos 2026 is the move.
But here’s my promise to you:
SIOP Africa 2028 will blow this one out of the water. Bigger ideas. Bolder action. More lives changed.
This is a movement. Not a moment.
See you in Lagos. Or catch you in 2028. Either way, don’t miss what’s coming.”
“The World Child Cancer team has officially landed in Lagos for SIOP Africa 2026!
Day one reminded us exactly why spaces like this matter.
We recorded the very first live episode of our new Emotional Wellbeing Podcast, a conversation that felt as honest as it was important. A huge thank you to our guests Prof Jennifer Geel (Paediatric Oncologist and SIOP Africa President) and Mariam Ndagire (Senior Paediatric Oncology Nurse and Deputy Patient Manager at the Uganda Cancer Institute), alongside our host Juliet Akuamoah Boateng, for sharing their experiences so openly in front of a live audience. We’re looking forward to sharing this episode with you soon!
This podcast is supported by Amgen (Sean Lybrand, Philip Anderson), whose commitment to the emotional wellbeing of paediatric oncology professionals makes this series possible. We thank them for strengthening the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.
It was also a real highlight to spend time with colleagues from Tamale who were supported to attend the SIOP Africa congress by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), including Jonah Ayamba (Upper East Regional Hospital, Ghana), Joy Ajibta (Tamale Teaching Hospital), and Frieda Abilba (Tamale Teaching Hospital). It was a great opportunity to build ongoing relationships centred around a shared commitment to improving care for children with cancer.
We’re excited for the days ahead, from contributing to key discussions to seeing our team participate in panels alongside inspiring leaders in paediatric oncology.”
“SIOP AFRICA 2026. Lagos. 4 presidents in 1 frame.”
This week, I travelled from Nairobi to Lagos to join like-minded individuals from different disciplines—but all with one goal.
To increase quality of care, quality of life, and improve childhood cancer outcomes across Africa.
Government. Civil society. Medical institutions. Survivors. Parents. Researchers. Sponsors.
We all came as one. To network. To discuss challenges. To identify solutions we can work on together—as one Africa.
Because where you live should not determine if you live.
As Chair of Childhood Cancer International – Africa Regional Committee, and as a survivor representative sitting on the Childhood Cancer International (CCI)Global Board, I see every day what is possible when we unite. And as someone with lived experience who represents Hope for Cancer Kids (HCK) and many other civil society organizations with the same goals and challenges I know the urgency.
The solution is complex. Not medicine OR community. Not research OR advocacy. All of it. Together.
Across Africa, we learn from each other. What works in Kenya can be adapted in Ethiopia. A parent group in Nairobi mentors one in Lilongwe. Survivors in Lagos teach survivors in Accra.
Cross-country collaboration. Civil society rising together. Africa learning from within Africa.
If we work in silos, children die. If we walk as one village, children live.
That is our promise. Starting now. Starting here. Starting with us. Because WHERE you live should not determine IF you live!
— Sidney Misigo Chahonyo
Childhood cancer survivor of 21+ years
“SIOP AFRICA 2026 – International Society of Paediatrics Oncology”
“Dr Nihad Salifu (Ghana), recipient of the first SIOP Africa Rising Star award, presents the inaugural Rising Star address at the closing ceremony”
“I am honored to be part of the hashtag#SIOPAfrica 2026 Congress in Lagos, Nigeria .
It was such a privilege to contribute to Session V: Skill Development, where I spoke on “Calculating and monitoring calorie and protein needs in children with cancer.”
Pediatric oncology nutrition is such a critical yet often under-discussed aspect of care. Ensuring that children receive the right nutritional support can significantly impact treatment outcomes, recovery, and quality of life.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge alongside inspiring colleagues and to learn from so many dedicated professionals working to improve pediatric cancer care across Africa.
A big thank you to Elena J. Ladas and everyone who made this congress such a meaningful experience.
Looking forward to continuing this important work and collaboration.”
“Today marked the official opening of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP Africa Congress 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria
It was an inspiring start, bringing together passionate professionals committed to improving outcomes for children with cancer across Africa. From the conversations to the shared vision, one thing is clear collaboration remains at the heart of progress in pediatric oncology.”
“Dear All,
The 11th session for Part II of the AAI and SIOP Africa Advanced Treatment of Pediatric Cancers digital course will be, Wednesday, April 15 at 4 pm UTC.
If you have not already done so, please register for the course using this link:
https://lnkd.in/danMbY-8
Note that even if you registered for Part 1, you will need to register separately for Part 2.
After registering, Zoom will email you a personal link that you can use to join all of the webinars moving forward.
Schedule: Please see the course flyer for additional information on session topics, dates, and times:
https://lnkd.in/d2GRc4ub ”
“Today marks a significant milestone as Nigeria proudly hosts the official opening of the 16th Biennial International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP Africa Continental Congress 2026.
From Lagos, we welcome the global pediatric oncology community clinicians, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and partners gathered with a shared purpose: to advance childhood cancer care and improve survival outcomes across Africa.
This Congress is more than a meeting. It is a reflection of Africa’s growing leadership in shaping equitable, resilient, and data-driven cancer care systems. It is also a moment to spotlight collaboration, innovation, and the urgency of ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against cancer.
We are especially honoured to have in attendance distinguished leaders in health, including national and state-level policymakers, alongside global partners committed to strengthening health systems across the continent.”
“Day 2 SIOP Africa 2026 Lagos Team Ethiopia”
” The first episode of our podcast is officially live!
We’re proud to launch our new podcast: You’re Not Alone.
In this debut episode, recorded live at SIOP Africa 2026, host Juliet Akuamoah Boateng is joined by amazing guests Prof Jennifer Geel (Paediatric Oncologist and SIOP Africa President) and Mariam Ndagire (Senior Paediatric Oncology Nurse and Deputy Patient Manager at the Uganda Cancer Institute).
From walking alongside families through relapse and loss, to navigating the realities of under-resourced settings, this episode explores:
The invisible emotional burden carried by nurses and healthcare teams
The blurred line between being a professional and being human
The impact of deep relationships with patients and families
How burnout shows up, and how to recognise it early
Real, practical ways clinicians cope
Recorded in front of a live audience, this episode captures unfiltered conversations you don’t often hear.
This podcast is supported by Amgen (Sean Lybrand, Philip Anderson), whose commitment to the emotional wellbeing of paediatric oncology professionals makes this series possible. We thank them for strengthening the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.
“From Conversation to Connection
From Knowledge to Impact
The 2-day Pre-Congress held from 13th – 14th April at SIOP Africa 2026 has been nothing short of meaningful.
On Day 1, I had the honour of hosting the inaugural episode of the World Child Cancer wellbeing podcast, “You’re Not Alone.” A powerful platform initiated by Megan Cruise to hold honest conversations around emotional wellbeing in paediatric oncology; reminding healthcare professionals that while they care for others, they too deserve care, support, and space to process.
It was a true privilege launching the podcast with an insightful conversation with the President of SIOP Africa, Jennifer Geel from SouthAfrica and Mariam Ndagire, a senior nurse from Uganda. The feedback from participants was both humbling and affirming, reinforcing the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire.
Day 2 brought another important dimension in nutrition. Through a rich session hosted by IIPAN, we explored diverse, global efforts shaping nutritional care for children with cancer. A reminder that outcomes are not only driven by treatment, but also by holistic, supportive care systems.
Grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn, and connect with such a passionate community.
The conversation continues at the main Congress… ”
“Day two at SIOP Africa 2026 in Lagos brought an important focus into the spotlight: nutrition.
Our team joined IIPAN’s pre-conference session (Elena J. Ladas), where colleagues from across the continent came together to share, challenge, and build on the role of nutrition in paediatric cancer care.
Luke Capper presented World Child Cancer’s nutrition interventions across sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting not just the progress made, but the very real impact that improved nutritional support can have for children undergoing treatment.
What stood out most was the shared recognition that nutrition is not an “add-on” to care, it is fundamental to the outcomes of children facing cancer. Together, these conversations are helping to shape how nutrition care can be strengthened, scaled, and better integrated into treatment pathways.
We also celebrated a proud moment with Alimatu Salam (Paediatric Oncologist, Ashanti Regional Hospital, Kumasi) and Nana Yaa Akyaa Bonney, MD MBChB MWACP MGCPS (Paediatric Oncology Fellow, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra). Both are beneficiaries of the Paediatric Oncology Fellowship Program and had their abstracts accepted for the SIOP Africa 2026 Congress Their attendance was supported through a partial sponsorship from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).”
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD