Latest news with #GlobalPlatformforAccesstoChildhoodCancerMedicines
Arab News
2 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Pakistan, WHO sign agreement to provide free cancer medication for children
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide free cancer medication to thousands of children annually in the South Asian country, Pakistani state media reported on Tuesday. The agreement marks Pakistan's inclusion in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GCCM), a WHO-led initiative to expand access to life-saving cancer treatments for children in low- and middle-income countries. Pakistan Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced that under this agreement, Pakistan will receive essential cancer medicines every year, benefitting approximately 8,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer annually in the country. 'The goal is simple but profound to save lives,' Kamal said. 'Currently, the survival rate for children with cancer in our region stands at just 30 percent. Through this agreement, we aim to increase that to 60 percent by ensuring timely access to quality treatment.' Around 8,000 new pediatric cases are reported each year but less than half receive timely diagnosis or treatment due to limited access to pediatric oncology centers, according to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). The overall mortality rate for those diagnosed remains alarmingly high and survival rates hover around 10–30 percent, compared to over 80 percent in high-income countries. Kamal shared the WHO will provide technical and operational support for the initiative, while United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will take on the responsibility of procuring and supplying the medicines to Pakistan, appreciating both organizations and all partners for their support and commitment. 'Today is a big day for Pakistan. We are not just recipients; we are partners in global efforts to ensure that no child suffers or dies from a treatable disease,' he said. 'I thank WHO, UNICEF, the GCCM, and all our partner organizations. Our dream is a healthier society, and that begins with the health of our mothers and children.' On the occasion, WHO representative Dr. Dapeng Luo said no child affected by cancer should die because of lack of access to treatment, including quality-assured medicines. 'WHO will work side by side with the Ministry of Health and partners to save lives and leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are,' Luo said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Pakistan to access free cancer medicines for 8,000 children annually from WHO
ISLAMABAD, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan's Ministry of Health signed an agreement on Tuesday to formalize the country's participation in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, aiming to provide quality-assured, free-of-cost medicines to children suffering from cancer. According to a statement from the WHO, the agreement would bring new hope to children battling cancer in Pakistan, with a goal to increase the survival rate from 30 percent to 60 percent by 2030. Limited access to treatment has been one of main factors behind the country's low childhood cancer survival rate, with over 8,000 new cases diagnosed annually, said the WHO. Pakistan became the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to join the initiative, which was implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF is responsible for procuring and delivering the medicines to the country. "WHO will also continue to support Pakistan's Ministry of Health and provincial authorities with the necessary technical expertise and logistical resources to combat childhood cancer," the statement added. Pakistan's Health Minister Mustafa Kamal called it a landmark achievement for the country's cancer-affected children, saying "If we are able to save even one life through this collaboration, we are saving mankind."
