ISLAMABAD (APP) - Pakistan has signed a landmark agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide free cancer medicines to children across the country.
The agreement, formalised through a Letter of Agreement (LoA), 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.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal also inaugurated the National Cholera Control Plan 2025–2028 on the occasion.
He emphasised the urgent need to focus on preventive healthcare to reduce the country’s disease burden. The Minister announced that under this agreement, Pakistan will receive essential cancer medicines every year, benefiting approximately 8,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer annually in the country.
“The goal is simple but profound to save lives,” said Minister Kamal. “Currently, the survival rate for children with cancer in our region stands at just 30%. Through this agreement, we aim to increase that to 60% by ensuring timely access to quality treatment.”
He emphasised that WHO will provide technical and operational support to the initiative, while UNICEF will take on the responsibility of procuring and supplying the medicines to Pakistan.
The Minister expressed appreciation for both organisations and all partners involved, including the GCCM, for their support and commitment.
Minister Kamal also spoke about the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s health system. “This is not just about cancer. Our health system is under pressure.”
He said, “Every year, 11,000 women die during pregnancy, 43% of our children suffer from malnutrition, and with a birth rate of 3.6, we are pushing our resources to the brink,” he stated.
He underscored that healthcare should not be confined to hospital walls. “Real healthcare begins outside hospitals in clean water, proper sanitation, preventive action, and community awareness.
“If we continue to focus only on treatment, we will never overcome the burden of disease.”