**Pakistan Secures Free Childhood Cancer Treatment Through WHO Partnership**
Pakistan has signed a landmark agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) that will ensure free cancer treatment for more than 8,000 children diagnosed nationwide each year. The country has joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, marking a significant step in improving pediatric cancer care.
This partnership positions Pakistan as the second nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to become part of the initiative, which was co-founded by WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2021. The primary goal of the platform is to increase Pakistan’s national childhood cancer survival rate from the current 30% to 60% by 2030—a notable improvement, though still trailing behind the over 80% survival rate observed in high-income countries.
The agreement was jointly signed by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and WHO Representative Dr. Dapeng Luo. The arrangement will remain valid until the end of 2027, with the possibility of further extension. Under the agreement, UNICEF will be responsible for the procurement and delivery of essential cancer medicines and treatments throughout the country.
Additionally, WHO has committed to providing technical and operational assistance to Pakistan’s healthcare system, aiming to strengthen pediatric oncology services and improve overall outcomes for young patients.
Globally, childhood cancer remains a significant health challenge, with approximately 400,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Alarmingly, 90% of these children live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to essential, life-saving treatment is often limited.
The new agreement represents a major advancement in Pakistan’s efforts to deliver equitable healthcare and enhance the prospects of survival for children battling cancer.
