Islamabad: In a groundbreaking move to improve pediatric healthcare, Pakistan has officially signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide free cancer medicines to children across the country. The initiative is part of Pakistan’s inclusion in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GCCM), a WHO-led global effort to bridge treatment gaps and ensure equitable access to life-saving therapies for children in low- and middle-income countries.
The agreement was formalized through a Letter of Agreement (LoA) during a ceremony held in Islamabad, attended by key stakeholders, including the Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and public health officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Kamal announced that under this initiative, Pakistan will annually receive essential childhood cancer medicines, benefiting approximately 8,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year. The Minister described the partnership as a “milestone in public health,” aimed at doubling the current childhood cancer survival rate from 30% to 60% through timely access to standardized, quality-assured treatment.
> “The goal is simple but profound—to save lives,” said Kamal. “Every child deserves a chance at life, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.”
As part of the agreement, WHO will provide technical and operational support, while UNICEF will take charge of procurement and distribution of the medicines. The Minister acknowledged the vital role played by both organizations, along with GCCM and other stakeholders, in making this initiative a reality.
In addition to the cancer medicine agreement, Minister Kamal launched the National Cholera Control Plan 2025–2028, outlining a roadmap to reduce cholera outbreaks through improved detection, response, and preventive infrastructure. The plan focuses on ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and timely surveillance, particularly in flood-prone and underserved regions.
During his address, the Minister did not shy away from highlighting the broader systemic challenges facing Pakistan’s healthcare system. He cited alarming statistics: 11,000 maternal deaths annually, 43% child malnutrition, and a birth rate of 3.6, all of which continue to strain the country’s already overburdened health
> “This is not just about cancer or cholera,” Kamal said. “This is about rethinking the very foundation of how we deliver healthcare in Pakistan. Real healthcare doesn’t begin in hospitals—it begins in homes, in schools, in clean water taps, and in public awareness.”
He called for an urgent shift toward preventive healthcare, emphasizing that focusing solely on treatment will never suffice in reducing the overall disease burden. He urged communities to prioritize routine immunization, particularly for children under five.
> “We are fighting 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. Our vaccination teams are going door-to-door. But we need parents to meet them halfway—go out, find the vaccinator, and protect your child. No step is too small when lives are at stake.”
The Health Minister emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in health outcomes and praised frontline health workers for their commitment. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to working in partnership with international organizations to strengthen health systems.
> “Today, we are not just recipients of aid—we are global partners,” he said. “We want to build a healthier society, and that journey begins with ensuring the well-being of our mothers and children.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, praised the government’s commitment to addressing both curative and preventive health needs.
> “No child affected by cancer should die because of a lack of access to treatment. WHO is proud to work alongside Pakistan’s Ministry of Health to leave no child behind—regardless of geography or economic status.”
Dr. Luo also warned of the increasing threat posed by climate change, noting that extreme weather events such as floods are triggering cholera outbreaks in vulnerable areas with limited access to safe water and sanitation.
> “Without effective prevention and rapid response, cholera can become a major public health threat,” he said. “WHO is committed to supporting Pakistan in building climate-resilient health systems that can save lives and reduce long-term vulnerability.”
The agreement and the launch of the cholera plan mark a strategic turning point in Pakistan’s approach to healthcare—one that prioritizes equity, prevention, and international collaboration. With strong leadership, multi-agency coordination, and active community engagement, the government aims to transform health indicators and ensure that no child suffers or dies from a preventable or treatable illness.
