Scotiabank and SickKids deepen regional collaboration to improve pediatric cancer care

Scotiabank has reinforced its commitment to advancing paediatric health care across the Caribbean with a further CAD$200,000 donation to the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative (SCI). 

This vital contribution will help sustain the programme’s life-saving efforts, ensuring continued access to specialised care for children with cancer and blood disorders.

SCI was established to address the critical gaps in care for children with cancer and blood disorders across six countries in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. In partnership with the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, the University of the West Indies (UWI), regional Ministries of Health, and key hospitals and institutions from the six participating Caribbean countries, SCI is transforming paediatric care through training, education, technology, and collaboration.

Between 2020 and 2022, Scotiabank contributed CAD$2 million to SCI, enabling the creation of seven telemedicine facilities across the region. These facilities became vital hubs for connecting Caribbean health professionals with global expertise, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for young patients.

Impact Highlights:

• 41 nurses trained in paediatric haematology/oncology at UWI, Trinidad and Tobago
• 6 Caribbean fellows trained at SickKids in Toronto
• 7 local databases established to track childhood cancer incidence and outcomes
• 902 case consultations conducted via telemedicine (as of October 7, 2025)
• 835 specialist diagnostic tests completed for children diagnosed with leukaemia (as of October 7, 2025)

Sharon McLean Salmon, Jamaica Site Lead, SickKids-Caribbean Initiative (SCI) shared, “The SCI initiative has been a godsend for treating children with cancer at Bustamante Hospital for Children. We have access to world-renowned experts at SickKids, and because of SCI, we have developed relationships with experts associated with the American Society for Haematology (ASH). These experts are readily accessible, not only offering guidance on the management of our complex cases, but also conducting investigations not available in our setting.” 

She added that SCI has helped Bustamante to foster a deep relationship with its regional counterparts, resulting in the possibility of robust discussion regarding management of cases and has developed a sense of community within the team that they have grown to treasure.

Audrey Tugwell Henry, President and CEO of Scotia Group, commented, “Scotiabank is honoured to support the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative as it continues to transform paediatric cancer and blood disorder care across the region. We recognise the profound impact that early detection, specialised training, and strengthened medical networks have on a child’s chance at recovery. By investing in these critical advancements, we are helping to ensure that children and families throughout the Caribbean benefit from a more coordinated and resilient healthcare system.”

SCI continues to work with its Caribbean partners to elevate the diagnosis and care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Together, we are working to ensure that children across the Caribbean receive timely, accurate diagnoses and compassionate care