The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations’ global health security agency, has announced a program to provide free cancer drugs to children in middle- and low-income countries. The initiative was launched on Tuesday, according to a report by Singaporean news outlet The Straits Times. The report states that shipments of cancer drugs for children began on Tuesday to Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Following this, consignments will also be sent to Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, and Zambia. Hospitals in these six countries collectively have around 5,000 children suffering from cancer, all of whom will receive the medication free of charge. According to WHO estimates, at least 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer every year. However, due to the high cost of medicines and lack of necessary treatment, 70% of these children die. The WHO statement mentions that the program aims to expand to 50 countries over the next five to seven years. If successful, around 120,000 child patients worldwide will receive life saving free cancer medication.
Source: Jamuna Television
