- The Problem: 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer yearly worldwide.
- The Disparity: Survival rates are much lower in poorer countries (below 30%) compared to wealthier ones (almost 90%).
- WHO’s Initiative: Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer aims to improve access to medicines and care.
- Early Success: Medicines are being distributed in Mongolia and Uzbekistan, with more countries to follow.
- Financial Boost: WHO is increasing assessed contributions from member states to ensure sustainable funding.
The Shocking Numbers: Childhood Cancer in Focus
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, highlighted the grim reality during a recent online media conference. While advancements in high-income countries have led to impressive survival rates (around 90%), children in low- and middle-income countries face a much tougher battle, with survival rates often dipping below 30%. This disparity is simply unacceptable.
Hope on the Horizon: WHO’s Global Initiative
In 2018, WHO launched the Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer, partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and over 100 other organizations. This initiative is a game-changer, focusing on improving access to life-saving medicines and care for children battling cancer in resource-limited settings. Imagine the impact of bridging that survival gap!
Medicines on the Move: Real Help Arriving Now
The initiative is already making a tangible difference. Just recently, WHO began distributing childhood cancer medicines, free of charge, in Mongolia and Uzbekistan. This is just the beginning! Shipments are planned for Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, and Zambia. The goal? To reach approximately 5,000 children across at least 30 hospitals in these six countries this year. Talk about making a difference!
Expansion Plans: Reaching More Kids in Need
The ambition doesn’t stop there. Six more countries have been invited to join the platform, and over the next five to seven years, WHO aims to reach a staggering 120,000 children in 50 countries. This is a massive undertaking, and it requires global collaboration and sustained effort. Every child deserves a chance to fight, regardless of where they live.
Beyond Cancer: WHO’s Broader Efforts
It’s also important to note that WHO’s efforts extend beyond childhood cancer. The organization is actively involved in addressing a wide range of global health challenges, from emergencies and polio to meningitis, cervical cancer, and air pollution. They’re working tirelessly to promote universal health coverage and improve health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.
Securing the Future: Sustainable Funding for WHO
To support these vital initiatives, WHO is working to secure more sustainable funding. Member states have agreed to gradually increase assessed contributions, a critical step in ensuring the organization can continue its life-saving work. A stronger WHO means a healthier world for all of us.
What You Can Do
Awareness is the first step. Share this article, talk to your friends and family, and support organizations that are working to fight childhood cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.
Ebola Update
The WHO is also responding to an Ebola outbreak. The Ugandan Government reported nine confirmed cases, including one death. The WHO is supporting the government’s response with surveillance, laboratories, logistics, infection prevention and control in hospitals, treatment centres and research.
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