ISLAMABAD, July 29, 2025 — In a significant step toward improving pediatric cancer care, Pakistan has signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide free, quality-assured cancer medicines to 8,000 children each year under the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.
This move makes Pakistan the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to join the WHO-led initiative, which was launched in 2021 in collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and UNICEF. The goal is to double the survival rate for children with cancer in Pakistan — from the current 30% to 60% by 2030.
Each year, around 8,000 new cases of childhood cancer are reported in Pakistan. A major reason for the low survival rate is limited access to timely and effective treatment. In contrast, survival rates in high-income countries average around 80%.
The agreement, signed by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and WHO Representative Dr. Dapeng Luo, will remain in effect until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension. Medicines will be procured and delivered by UNICEF, while WHO will continue to provide technical and operational support to the Ministry of Health and provincial governments.
“Today is a big day for Pakistan,” said Minister Kamal. “Through this agreement, we are giving thousands of children hope — a chance to survive. If we save even one life, we are saving humanity.”
Dr. Luo emphasized the importance of equity in health access:
“No child should die because they lack access to treatment. WHO will stand with Pakistan to ensure no child is left behind.”
According to global estimates, 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, with nearly 90% of them living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) — where survival rates are often below 30%.
Through the Global Platform, WHO and its partners aim to support 120,000 children across LMICs over the next five years, ensuring steady access to essential cancer medicines, standardized treatment protocols, and improved health infrastructure.
