Pakistani Children With Cancer to Start Receiving Free Medicines
Kamal said more than 8,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will start receiving free essential cancer medicines for children as part of a global program led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the health ministry announced on Thursday.
The initiative, known as the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, aims to improve survival rates in low- and middle-income countries by making life-saving treatments consistently available to children.
“It is a matter of pride that Pakistan has been chosen for this program in 2025,” said Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. “This marks a major step forward in providing free cancer medications for children next year.”
Kamal said more than 8,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Pakistan. Many of them struggle to access proper treatment due to medicine shortages, high costs, and weaknesses in the healthcare system. As a result, many lives are lost that could be saved with timely care.
He added that Pakistan will make full use of the program, which he called a valuable chance to improve healthcare with the support of global partners.
The global program was launched in 2022 with a $200 million pledge from St. Jude and works with WHO to help countries develop sustainable drug supplies, treatment guidelines, and better healthcare systems for children with cancer. With Pakistan now onboard, the program continues to expand its reach across the world.
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