ACT for Children is redefining how access to life-saving cancer medicines is delivered to children worldwide. At a recent OncoDaily interview in Yerevan at Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, leaders from Servier and Amgen came together to discuss a critical issue in global pediatric oncology: access to life-saving cancer medicines. Featuring Manette Le Grange from Servier and Sean Lybrand from Amgen, the conversation highlighted how the ACT for Children initiative is moving beyond traditional donation models to build sustainable systems that ensure children in low- and middle-income countries
Insights from Manette Le Grange (Servier) and Sean Lybrand (Amgen)
At a recent OncoDaily interview in Yerevan, Manette Le Grange from Servier and Sean Lybrand from Amgen came together to discuss a shared mission: improving childhood cancer outcomes by ensuring real access to life-saving medicines.
Their conversation centered around the ACT for Children initiative, a global partnership that is redefining how access to pediatric cancer treatment is delivered—especially in low- and middle-income countries.
ACT for Children: Moving Beyond Donation to Real Access
One of the most important messages from both speakers was clear:Access to medicines is not just about providing drugs—it is about making sure they can actually be used.
As emphasized by both Servier and Amgen:
- Medicines without system readiness are ineffective
- Access requires training, infrastructure, and guidelines
- Sustainable care depends on integration into national systems
Through this initiative, children are not only given access to innovative therapies, but healthcare systems are also prepared, trained, and strengthened to deliver them safely and effectively.
Servier’s Perspective: Collaboration Is the Only Way Forward
Manette Le Grange highlighted Servier’s commitment as a partner in ACT for Children, describing it as a true public–private collaboration.
She emphasized that improving childhood cancer outcomes requires:
- Industry working together, not in competition
- Partnerships with global organizations like Childhood Cancer International
- Engagement with local hospitals and patient support systems
Her key message was powerful and human-centered:“This is not a competition. It’s a child. It’s a future.”From Servier’s perspective, ACT for Children creates a unique platform where all stakeholders can align around one goal—ensuring that every child has access to the treatment they need.
Amgen’s Approach: Health System Strengthening First
Sean Lybrand explained that Amgen’s global access strategy focuses on health system strengthening before medicine delivery.
This is where ACT for Children becomes critical.
Instead of simply supplying treatments, the initiative ensures that:
- Hospitals are trained to use therapies
- Clinical pathways are established
- Systems are ready to absorb innovation
He summarized this philosophy through a progression:“From handouts → to hand-ups → to hand-offs.”
This means that ACT for Children does not create dependency—it builds long-term, sustainable access to medicines.
Armenia as a Real-World Example
The program implemented at the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center demonstrates how ACT for Children works in practice.In Armenia, the initiative is to supporting structured pediatric oncology programs, to enhancing local expertise, improving treatment implementation, creating a pathway toward sustainable access. Rather than trying to fix everything at once, the strategy is focused: Identify key gaps → implement targeted solutions → scale impact
This model allows measurable improvements in survival and care quality over time.
Sustainability: The End Goal of Access
Both speakers strongly emphasized that access must be sustainable, not temporary.
Programs like ACT for Children are designed to:
- Transition countries toward independent medicine procurement
- Support policy updates and guideline development
- Build systems that continue beyond external support
This aligns with broader global efforts led by organizations such as:
- World Health Organization
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
ACT for Children acts as a bridge, helping countries move from limited access to fully integrated cancer care systems.
The Bigger Message: Access Equals Survival
Ultimately, the interview reinforced a critical truth in global oncology:Improving survival in childhood cancer depends on access to medicines. ACT for Children is proving that:
- Access can be built systematically
- Collaboration can overcome barriers
- Sustainable models can replace temporary solutions
And most importantly: Every child—regardless of where they live—can have a real chance at survival when access to treatment is ensured.