KARACHI: Pakistan has recently launched two pivotal public health collaborations aimed at combating the persistent challenges of cancer prevention and treatment.

First, the Ministry of Health has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to join the Global Platform for Access to Child Cancer. This initiative aims to make life-saving treatments accessible for the approximately 8,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation has stepped up efforts by initiating the roll-out of HPV vaccinations next month initially targeting girls aged 9 to 11, with plans to expand the program in subsequent phases.

Access to both cancer treatment and prevention remains highly limited, particularly in low-income countries like Pakistan. The survival rate for childhood cancer stands at just 30%, which trails far behind the 80% rate seen in high-income nations. However, with the current initiatives, the Ministry of Health aspires to raise the survival rate to 60% by 2030.

Participation in the WHO-managed child cancer platform represents a lifeline for thousands of families who might otherwise be unable to afford treatment. But beyond providing free medicine, it’s vital to boost public awareness so patients and families are aware of how to access these services.

Similarly, the introduction of the HPV vaccine already successful in over 25 African countries with Gavi’s support can dramatically reduce Pakistan’s cervical cancer burden. Integrating it into the national immunization program, starting with girls and young women, will be transformative.

Together, these measures quality-assured medications delivered through UNICEF, and a nationwide HPV immunization campaign could significantly improve survival outcomes for childhood cancer and reduce cervical cancer rates. Pakistan now has an opportunity to emulate similar successes seen globally through collaborative government, international partners, and health initiatives, potentially saving thousands of lives in the process.