VIVA-KKH Paediatric Brain and Solid Tumour Programme

The VIVA–KKH Paediatric Brain and Solid Tumour Programme is a collaboration between the VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Established in 2015, the programme aims to improve treatment and survival outcomes for children diagnosed with brain and solid tumours — some of the most complex and challenging childhood cancers.

Brain and solid tumours make up nearly half of all childhood cancers. Because symptoms can be difficult to recognise, many children are diagnosed late and require complex, multidisciplinary care. As Singapore’s main centre treating these conditions, KKH plays a vital role in caring for young patients and training future specialists.

With VIVA’s support, the programme brings together leading doctors, scientists, and nurses to deliver the best possible care, translate research into better treatments, and train medical professionals in Singapore and across Asia. Since its launch, it has published key research findings, established a specialised brain tumour clinic, and set up a Molecular Tumour Board to identify targeted therapies through genetic analysis. The programme also supports overseas training for doctors and collaborates with partners in Vietnam to strengthen paediatric cancer services and education.