In a major step toward improving pediatric healthcare, Pakistan has signed a groundbreaking agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide free cancer medicines to children battling the disease nationwide.

The partnership, sealed through a Letter of Agreement (LoA), officially includes Pakistan in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GCCM)—a WHO-led initiative aimed at making life-saving cancer drugs accessible in low- and middle-income countries.

At the signing ceremony, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal also launched the National Cholera Control Plan 2025–2028, emphasizing the government’s renewed focus on disease prevention and long-term public health strategies.

“This agreement is about saving lives,” said Minister Kamal. “Every year, nearly 8,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with cancer. Until now, many families simply couldn’t afford treatment. With this collaboration, we aim to change that.”

Currently, the survival rate for children with cancer in Pakistan is alarmingly low at around 30%. Through the WHO partnership, the government hopes to double that figure to 60%, by improving access to essential treatments and ensuring early and consistent care.

Under the agreement:

• WHO will provide technical and operational assistance.
• UNICEF will manage the procurement and distribution of the medicines.

Minister Kamal expressed gratitude to WHO, UNICEF, and all stakeholders, noting that such cooperation reflects a global commitment to health equity.

However, he also warned of broader systemic challenges within Pakistan’s healthcare system. “This effort is critical, but cancer is only one part of a much larger issue,” he said.

He highlighted troubling statistics:

• 11,000 women die each year during pregnancy,
• 43% of children suffer from malnutrition,
• and a birth rate of 3.6 continues to strain public health resources.

“Real healthcare starts outside hospitals—with clean water, sanitation, education, and prevention,” Kamal noted. “We must move beyond treating disease to preventing it. Otherwise, the burden will only grow.”

This agreement represents a major step in bridging healthcare gaps and signals a broader shift toward preventive and community-based care models in Pakistan.