World Pediatric Project Performs First-Ever Pediatric Cancer Surgery in SVG 

By Val Matthias. Updated 9:19 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The World Pediatric Project (WPP) general surgery team completed its first mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 2026 with a milestone achievement, the removal of a cancerous tumour from a six year old child at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

The operation, which lasted close to eight hours, was the first of its kind performed in the country. Surgeons also implanted a Portacath to enable chemotherapy treatment over the next six to eight months, ensuring the child can continue care locally. 

Programme Coordinator for the Caribbean, Leorol Gibson, confirmed that more than 50 children were seen in clinic on January 18, with a schedule of 14 surgeries planned. Twelve were completed during the mission, with the remaining two cases to be handled by local pediatric surgeon Dr. Ellis, who works alongside the WPP team. Lead surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Lukish described the cancer case as “unique and life saving,” highlighting the growing complexity of procedures now being performed in St. Vincent. 

Since it started its operations, WPP has delivered over 8,800 pediatric cases in the Caribbean region and mobilized more than US$94 million in medical services to children who otherwise lack access to specialized care. The organization coordinates surgical missions in orthopedics, cardiology, neurosurgery, urology, plastic surgery, and general surgery, sending multidisciplinary teams to small island states where pediatric specialists are scarce. 

The Caribbean program has steadily expanded, with missions now covering St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua, and other OECS countries. A new Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2026 between WPP and the OECS Commission formalizes regional coordination, strengthening referral pathways and ensuring that children across the Eastern Caribbean can access advanced surgical care. 

Plans are underway to transition pediatric surgical missions from Milton Cato Memorial Hospital to the new Acute Referral Hospital in Arnos Vale once construction is complete. The facility is expected to provide modern operating theaters, advanced imaging, and recovery wards designed to host visiting surgical teams. WPP officials say the move will allow for more complex procedures, reduce delays, and expand training opportunities for local surgeons. 

This mission highlights both the progress and challenges of pediatric healthcare in small island states. While St. Vincent has hosted dozens of WPP missions over the past decade, the successful cancer surgery represents a new frontier bringing oncology care into a setting where such interventions were previously unavailable. For families, it means fewer children will need to travel abroad for life-saving treatment. 

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