**Pakistan Joins WHO Global Childhood Cancer Medicine Platform, Secures Free Treatment for Over 8,000 Children Annually**
Pakistan has entered into a landmark agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to join the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines. This move is set to provide free cancer treatment for more than 8,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year, significantly improving access to life-saving care across the country.
By joining the initiative—co-founded by WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—Pakistan becomes only the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to participate. The global platform, launched in 2021, seeks to increase the national childhood cancer survival rate from the current 30 percent to 60 percent by 2030. In comparison, survival rates for childhood cancer in high-income nations exceed 80 percent.
The agreement was signed between Pakistan’s Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and WHO Representative Dr. Dapeng Luo. The partnership is set to last until December 2027, with the possibility of extension. Under this arrangement, UNICEF will handle the procurement and delivery of essential cancer medicines to ensure consistent and reliable access for affected children.
In addition to providing medicines, WHO will offer technical and operational support to Pakistan’s health system, aiming to enhance the overall quality and reach of pediatric cancer care nationwide.
Globally, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer each year, with 90 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In these regions, access to crucial medical treatment remains a significant challenge. Pakistan’s participation in this global initiative marks a major step forward in addressing the critical gaps in childhood cancer care and improving survival outcomes for thousands of young patients.
