WHO and St. Jude Launch Global Initiative to Provide Childhood Cancer Medicines in Developing Nations
The World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have launched a pioneering global initiative to address childhood cancer treatment disparities in developing nations. This groundbreaking project, known as the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, aims to revolutionize access to life-saving treatments in underserved regions.
Initial Pilot Countries Receiving Medicines
The Global Platform has begun delivering much-needed cancer medications to Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Future shipments are scheduled for Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, and Zambia. This effort is expected to benefit approximately 5000 children with cancer in more than 30 hospitals throughout these countries this year alone.
Unique Platform Features End-to-End Support for Countries
This initiative marks the first of its kind. Countries participating in the pilot phase will receive a continuous supply of quality-assured childhood cancer medicines free of charge. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), childhood cancer survival rates are often below 30%, drastically lower than in high-income nations. Six nations have already been formally invited to join the Global Platform, setting the stage for its future expansion to nearly 50 countries within the next five to seven years.
Global Platform’s Ambitious Goals
By 2028, the initiative aims to provide medications for approximately 120,000 children with cancer in LMICs, significantly improving survival rates and reducing mortality related to pediatric oncology.
For too long, children with cancer have lacked access to life-saving medicines. This unique partnership between WHO and St. Jude is working to provide quality-assured cancer medicines to paediatric hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. WHO is proud to be part of this joint initiative with St. Jude, bringing health and hope to children around the world.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO
Severity and Scale of Childhood Cancer in Developing Countries
According to recent estimates, around 400,000 children worldwide develop cancer annually. Sadly, most of these children, residing in resource-constrained settings, are unable to access or afford cancer medications. In resource-limited environments, approximately 70% of children die from cancer due to inadequate treatment, interruptions in care, or substandard medicines.
Pioneering Approach to Addressing Global Healthcare Disparities
“A child’s chances of surviving cancer are largely determined by where they are born, making this one of the starkest disparities in global healthcare,” stated James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “St. Jude was founded on Danny Thomas’ dream that no child should die in the dawn of life. By establishing this platform, we are confident that one day, children around the world can receive the same quality of treatment, regardless of their country of origin.”
Framework for Global Collaboration
Announced in 2021, the Global Platform was developed to ensure children globally have access to vital cancer treatments. This innovative partnership brings together governments, pharmaceutical companies, and nongovernmental organizations to create tailored solutions for children with cancer. This unique co-design method addresses the larger needs of the national stakeholders, placing a strong emphasis on capacity development and long-term sustainability.
Comprehensive Support and Partnerships
The Global Platform provides end-to-end support, from coordinating global demand to shaping the market. It includes assisting countries in selecting medicines and developing treatment protocols. This model represents a significant rollable framework for tackling health challenges, particularly among children with noncommunicable diseases. The initiative relies on the collaboration of UNICEF Supply Division and the Pan American Health Organization’s Strategic Fund.
Call to Action
This groundbreaking partnership between WHO and St. Jude marks an important step towards making quality cancer care accessible to all children. By becoming involved in the Global Platform, we can help create a world where no child dies from lack of access to essential medications. Join us in supporting this vital initiative by sharing this article on social media, subscribing to our newsletter, or leaving your thoughts in the comments section below.