WHO to Provide Free Cancer Medicines to Thousands of Children Annually

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to join the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, an initiative aimed at improving access to life-saving treatments for young cancer patients. The programme seeks to address the treatment gap—currently affecting more than half of children diagnosed—and raise the national survival rate from 30% to 60% by 2030.

The agreement, signed between Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Dapeng Luo, will remain valid until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension through mutual consent.

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Calling it a landmark moment, Minister Kamal stated, “Today is a significant day for Pakistan. Through this agreement, we will secure essential medicines for children battling cancer. We are grateful to WHO, UNICEF, the Global Platform, and all our partners. If even one child’s life is saved through this collaboration, we are saving humanity.”

Under the accord, Pakistan will gain access to quality-assured cancer medicines—free of cost—for over 8,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year. Limited treatment availability has been a key reason behind the lower survival rate in Pakistan, in contrast to approximately 80% in higher-income countries.

Launched in 2021 by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and WHO, the Global Platform ensures a steady supply of certified cancer medicines to low- and middle-income countries. UNICEF will handle procurement and delivery to Pakistan.

Beyond medicine supply, WHO will continue assisting Pakistan’s federal and provincial health departments with technical expertise, resources, and operational support to strengthen the country’s fight against childhood cancer.