PAHO raises alarm over childhood cancer treatment gap in Latin America, Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organisation says disparity in access to treatment for childhood cancers is particularly concerning in Latin America and the Caribbean, where around 30,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be diagnosed with cancer each year.

It said of these, nearly 10,000 will die from the disease.

The statement by PAHO comes as the World Health Organisation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have started distribution of critically needed childhood cancer medicines in two of six pilot countries through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.