In a major breakthrough for pediatric healthcare, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide free cancer medicines to 8,000 children annually. The initiative is part of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, co-founded by WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Aiming for 60% Survival by 2030
Currently, Pakistan’s childhood cancer survival rate stands at 30%, far below the 80% seen in high-income countries. The new program aims to double survival rates to 60% by 2030 through timely access to quality-assured medicines, improved diagnostics, and technical support3.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The agreement involves:
- WHO: Providing technical and operational support
- UNICEF: Handling procurement and delivery of medicines
- Pakistan’s Health Ministry: Coordinating implementation across provinces
No Child Left Behind
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal emphasized that “saving even one life through this collaboration means saving mankind”. The initiative targets low- and middle-income countries, where 90% of childhood cancer cases occur, and survival rates are critically low.
Agreement Timeline
The agreement is valid until December 31, 2027, with potential for extension. Pakistan is now the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to join the Global Platform.
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