Insight

Apr 15, 2025, 09:02

WHO’s Andre Ilbawi Highlights Global Cancer Medicine Access Challenges

During “The Essential Medicines for Children with Cancer: From Access to Action” virtual forum by OncoDaily, Andre Ilbawi, Technical Lead for Cancer Control at the World Health Organization (WHO), discussed the Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM) and WHO’s broader access strategy.

His talk focused on the systemic barriers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the global actions needed to close those gaps.

Takeaways from Andre Ilbawi’s session:

“Beginning by expressing what an honor it is to present the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, a joint effort that brings together stakeholders from across the childhood cancer community — including governments, international organizations, and partners such as WHO, St. Jude, and UNICEF.

The 2018 launch of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) is a true turning point. Our goal was clear: to ensure that at least 60% of children with cancer survive, regardless of where they live. Today, with over 80 countries now part of the initiative, we’ve seen a powerful surge in global commitment.

One of the core challenges I highlighted was the urgent need for equitable access to essential cancer medicines. This platform isn’t just a donation program — it’s a long-term commitment to real, sustainable solutions. We must speak about the everyday barriers we face, like medicine stockouts, affordability issues, and the lack of quality assurance. Through procurement, capacity building, and system strengthening, the platform is designed to tackle these head-on.

I also need to highlight the $200 million commitment by St. Jude, which marks a major step in resetting the global childhood cancer medicines market and paving the way for more reliable, equitable access. Collaboration is the foundation of the platform’s success and the power of partnership will drive it forward.”

About the Forum

The Essential Medicines for Children with Cancer: From Access to Action by OncoDaily focuses on the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children, the new applications including Blinatumomab and Temozolomide, the challenges different low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are facing with the access to medications and the role of initiatives such as ACT4Children and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM).

Essential Medicines for Children with Cancer