Pakistan has been selected to participate in the 2025 rollout of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM), under which free medicines for children with cancer will be supplied across the country next year.
In a meeting with delegations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Health Minister Dr. Mustafa Kamal described the selection as “a major milestone.” He said it is a matter of pride for Pakistan to have been chosen for this important global initiative.
The Health Minister revealed that over 8,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with cancer each year, and many lose their lives due to lack of access to essential medications. He emphasized that “timely and effective treatment for children with cancer is a significant challenge.”
Dr. Mustafa Kamal added that through GPACCM, Pakistan will be able to leverage global resources to overcome local challenges. He congratulated all relevant stakeholders on this success and said that the country will fully utilize the global platform for this purpose.
This program represents a beacon of hope for children who cannot afford the expenses associated with cancer treatment. According to the Ministry of Health, this initiative will not only reduce child mortality rates but also improve the quality of cancer care.
Health experts point out that a large number of children with cancer in Pakistan are deprived of timely diagnosis and treatment due to insufficient healthcare facilities. They say this global collaboration has the potential to transform the pediatric cancer care sector within the country.
