The distribution of critically needed childhood cancer medicines in two of the six pilot countries has begun by the World Health Organization and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.
Mongolia and Uzbekistan are currently receiving these medicines, with shipments planned for Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, and Zambia. It is expected that approximately 5,000 children across nearly 30 hospitals in these countries will receive the cancer treatments this year.
The pilot countries will receive a continuous supply of quality-assured childhood cancer medicines at no cost. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), childhood cancer survival rates are often below 30 per cent, significantly lower compared to high-income countries. Six more countries have been formally invited to join the platform.
