Improving the childhood cancer cure rate

Each year, an estimated 400 000 children (aged 0–19 years) develop cancer globally. Nearly 9 in 10 of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where treatment is often unavailable or unaffordable. As a result, less than 30% of children with cancer in LMICs survive, compared to 80% or more in high-income countries. 

A global response

Recognizing the need for action, the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and global partners, launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer at the United Nations General Assembly during the Third High-level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases in September 2018.  

The target of the Initiative is to improve survival from childhood cancer to at least 60% by 2030 and to reduce the suffering of all children with cancer. 

The Initiative brings together more than 100 international stakeholders across sectors towards a shared goal of improving the health and well-being of children with cancer. All stakeholders will work towards accomplishing the Initiative’s objectives of increasing country capacity to deliver quality services for children with cancer and increasing the prioritization of childhood cancer at global, regional and national levels.