Childhood Cancer Care in Latvia

Press releases, 11.12.2024

Switzerland supports the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) in Riga, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in October 2024. The hospital plays a key role in children’s healthcare in Latvia. A special event was the official launch of the Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme “Development of Childhood Cancer Care”. 

Two men are giving a presentation for the hospital's anniversary, one of them is sitting on a children's bike.
Presentation at the anniversary event © Latvian Ministry of Health

The aim of the cooperation programme is to improve the survival and the quality of survival for children with cancer and other rare diseases by increasing availability and access to better diagnostics, treatment and follow-up services. The CCUH is the only dedicated paediatric hospital in Latvia and it is an important institution in treating and researching rare diseases, including paediatric cancers It diagnoses 50-60 new cancer cases each year, but is challenged with low funding as well as deficiencies in both clinical and laboratory capabilities.

Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation Martin Michelet: “This unique programme will further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Latvia through cooperation between Swiss and Latvian hospitals.”