WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer on the path to bridging the Survival Gap and attaining Universal Health Coverage: a 5-Year Review

Overview

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

Since 2018, significant progress has been made to improve childhood cancer care in countries across the six regions of WHO. This brief five-year review tracks the growth of the Initiative, elevates commitments and actions taken by trailblazing countries and highlights the launch of complementary programmes in partnership with St. Jude that enhance monitoring of childhood cancers and access to essential childhood cancer medicines. The document concludes with key messages about the Initiative and the importance of collaboration across sectors to sustain progress.