Arona to Host Forum Addressing Gaps in Pediatric Palliative Care Across Spain

Care for children with complex or terminal illnesses remains a significant challenge in Spain. Regional differences and a lack of specialized resources often mean the quality of life for these children depends on where they live. To address these gaps, the association No Somos de Segunda (We Are Not Second-Class) is hosting a technical and social forum called Sembrando cuidados (Sowing Care) on May 15 in Arona, Tenerife.

The event will take place at the Cabo Blanco Civic Center from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It aims to map the current state of pediatric palliative care and highlight the shortcomings that often force families to look for support outside the public healthcare system. Registration is open to everyone, including healthcare professionals, students, social workers, and families.

The forum will bring together experts from across Spain and the Canary Islands. The opening session will feature the Minister of Health, Esther Monzón, and the Mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes. Key speakers include Juan Manuel Vázquez from the Spanish Society of Pediatric Palliative Care and Dr. Montserrat González from the Hospital Universitario de la Candelaria, who will provide an overview of the current situation.

The program covers a wide range of topics, including the ethics of medical intervention, presented by Jesús Sánchez Etxaniz of Cruces Hospital, and the practical needs of care teams, discussed by Valewska Wallis, Olga López, and Rosanna Zaupá. The event will also highlight the human and spiritual aspects of care, with contributions from Haridian Afonso of the Pequeño Valiente foundation, psychologist Jordi Royo, and spiritual care specialist Mario Ciccorossi from Sant Joan de Déu Hospital.

Vanesa Díaz, president of the organizing association, will close the event by reflecting on how the non-profit sector often acts as a safety net when public services fall short. The forum emphasizes that pediatric palliative care should be treated as a fundamental right, requiring a consistent, fair, and humane approach across the entire country.