WHO Unveils Strategy to Improve Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines
The initiative seeks to make essential cancer medicines more available and affordable for children, particularly in countries facing supply and access challenges.
Geneva, Sep 15: The World Health Organization has introduced a new strategy aimed at improving the availability, affordability and quality of medicines used to treat childhood cancer.
The strategy focuses on building a healthier market for paediatric cancer medicines and addressing barriers that can prevent children from receiving timely and appropriate treatment.
WHO said stronger coordination among governments, healthcare providers, manufacturers and other stakeholders will be important to improve access to essential medicines.
Childhood cancer treatment often requires specialised medicines and sustained care, while shortages, high costs and weaknesses in supply systems can create additional challenges for families and health services.
The new approach is intended to encourage a more reliable supply of appropriate medicines and support countries in strengthening their procurement and healthcare systems.
WHO’s initiative forms part of wider efforts to improve outcomes for children with cancer and ensure that access to essential treatment is not determined by where a child lives or the resources available within a country’s health system.
The organisation said improving the market for childhood cancer medicines could help countries provide more consistent access to quality treatment while supporting broader efforts to strengthen paediatric healthcare.
