Safari of Dreams, virtual reality for children with cancer – Kenia
Dinsdag 10 februari 2026This project uses virtual reality (VR) to support children with cancer in Kenya during painful medical procedures.
The child life team at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is being trained and equipped with VR headsets and specially selected software. During IVs and spinal taps, children are immersed in soothing virtual environments.
which reduces anxiety and stress. This non-pharmacological intervention gives children a more humane and child-friendly treatment experience.
Thanks to local healthcare providers and innovative technology, psychosocial care is being structurally integrated into daily pediatric oncology practice.
Goal:
Stress reduction in children
Theme:
Childcare and innovation
Location:
Kenia
Health pioneer:
Larissa Klootwijk
Project
Goal
Results
Project
In Kenya, children with cancer often undergo painful medical procedures without adequate pain relief. This project introduces Virtual Reality as a distracting and calming intervention during treatments. By training the local child life team and deploying VR technology, anxiety is reduced and the treatment experience for children is structurally improved.
Goal
A working VR program that can be used safely and routinely during medical procedures for children with cancer. Training the child life team and integrating the program into existing care pathways will create a sustainable intervention that reduces anxiety and stress and structurally improves the quality of pediatric oncology care.
Results
- 2 trained ChildLife specialists as project leaders
- At least 60 children per day supported with VR during treatments
- Reduction of anxiety and stress in children during medical procedures
- VR integrated into standard care in the pediatric oncology department
Health pioneer Larissa Klootwijk
Larissa Klootwijk is an international healthcare physician and project coordinator within the twinning partnership between the Princess Máxima Center and the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. With her experience in pediatric oncology and global healthcare, she is committed to innovative solutions that improve the quality of care for vulnerable children. Larissa plays a key role in the development and implementation of Virtual Reality as a psychosocial intervention in pediatric oncology care.
Watch her project and motivation in the video below:
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