Pakistan Launches Bold Initiatives to Combat Cancer in 2025

KARACHI: Pakistan is taking decisive steps to address its cancer burden through two major public health collaborations. These efforts aim to improve both treatment access and preventive care, especially for vulnerable populations.

1. WHO Partnership for Childhood Cancer

The Ministry of Health has joined the Global Platform for Access to Child Cancer, a WHO-led initiative that targets the roughly 8,000 children diagnosed with cancer annually in Pakistan. With survival rates currently at 30%, far below the 80% seen in high-income countries, the goal is to raise survival to 60% by 2030.

This platform will provide free, quality-assured medications and support systems for families who otherwise couldn’t afford treatment. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to ensure families know how to access these services.

2. HPV Vaccination Rollout with Gates Foundation

Starting next month, Pakistan will begin HPV vaccinations for girls aged 9 to 11, with plans to expand coverage in later phases. This initiative, backed by the Gates Foundation, mirrors successful programs in over 25 African countries and aims to significantly reduce cervical cancer rates.

A New Era of Collaborative Healthcare

These programs reflect a growing commitment to international partnerships, government-led health reform, and community engagement. If implemented effectively, they could save thousands of lives and reshape Pakistan’s cancer care landscape.