Chandigarh, February 18
Bringing together leading minds in pediatric critical care from across Asia and beyond, the 4th Asian Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation Forum (APMVF) 2026 is set to take place from February 20 to 22 in Chandigarh. Organized by the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at the Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), this prestigious academic gathering reflects a shared commitment to advancing excellence in pediatric mechanical ventilation.
This year’s theme, “Safe, Simple & Sustainable Strategies,” emphasizes innovation that is practical, impactful, and adaptable to diverse clinical settings—particularly important in regions with varying resource availability. The forum continues its legacy as a premier academic platform, following three successful editions previously hosted in Indonesia, China, and Singapore. Around 150-200 delegates are expected to attend the meeting.
The three-day academic feast will commence with a pre-conference workshop on February 20, followed by two days of intensive scientific sessions, expert panels, case-based discussions and interactive debates. A major highlight of the pre-conference day will be five concomitant workshops, each focusing on specialized aspects of pediatric ventilation and respiratory care.
Among these, the LEAP (Liberation, Early Awakening and Activity in PICU) Workshop stands out as a pioneering initiative. Designed specifically for nurses, physiotherapists, and allied healthcare professionals who care for ventilated children, the LEAP workshop underscores the multidisciplinary nature of pediatric critical care. By empowering frontline caregivers with evidence-based strategies for sedation minimization, early mobilization, and ventilator liberation, the workshop aims to enhance recovery, reduce complications, and shorten PICU stays.
The 2026 edition will witness participation from an eminent international and Asian faculty comprising globally respected pediatric intensivists, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and clinical researchers. Experts from across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and other regions will share cutting-edge research, evolving ventilation strategies, and practical bedside approaches tailored to both high-resource and resource-limited settings.
At its core, the forum seeks to directly improve the quality of care delivered to critically ill children. Through discussions on lung-protective ventilation, non-invasive strategies, weaning protocols, patient safety, infection prevention, and sustainable practices, the conference aims to translate evidence into action. By focusing on “safe, simple, and sustainable” solutions, the forum addresses real-world challenges faced by pediatric intensive care units, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As the 4th Asian Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation Forum convenes in February 2026, it promises not only high-quality academic discourse, but also meaningful collaboration aimed at transforming pediatric critical care across Asia. With its strong international participation, multidisciplinary focus, and commitment to sustainable excellence, APMVF 2026 is poised to leave a lasting impact on the care of ventilated children across the region.
