WHO says 400,000 children develop cancer each year, highlighting a stark survival gap between high-income and low-income countries.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that about 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally every year, marking one of the biggest health disparities worldwide.
WHO noted that while over 80 percent of children in high-income countries survive, only one in five survives in low- and middle-income nations. “Children’s survival depends on resilient health systems that provide prompt and effective treatment,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director.
To bridge this gap, WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in 2018, targeting 60 percent survival by 2030. Eight countries, including Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan, have committed to improving early diagnosis, treatment protocols, and financial protection.
WHO also urged greater access to affordable cancer medicines through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, launched in 2021.