Pakistan Signs Major Deal With WHO to Provide Free Cancer Medicines for Children

Pakistan has signed a major deal with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help children fight cancer. The agreement will give free cancer medicines to kids across the country. It makes Pakistan part of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, a WHO project that supports low- and middle-income nations. This step could help save thousands of young lives every year.

Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal shared the news at a special event. He also launched the National Cholera Control Plan 2025–2028. The minister said around 8,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with cancer each year. Under this agreement, those children will now get free medicine. He hopes this will double survival rates from 30% to 60%.

WHO will help with planning and support. UNICEF will handle buying and sending the medicines. Minister Kamal thanked both groups for their help. He said this is a big move for Pakistan’s health system. It shows the power of working together to save lives.

Kamal also talked about other health problems in the country. He said 11,000 women die during pregnancy each year. Many children are malnourished, and the birth rate is putting pressure on health services. The minister warned that the system cannot survive unless strong action is taken soon.

He said true healthcare starts before anyone enters a hospital. Clean water, better hygiene, and public awareness are key. Kamal stressed that focusing only on treatment will not solve the country’s problems. Instead, Pakistan must invest in prevention to protect future generations.