Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, EVP and Chair, Department of Global Pediatric Medicine at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“As I reflect on last week at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), I am reminded of how far we have come since launching the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) seven years ago. What began as an ambitious vision to improve survival for children with cancer has grown into a true global movement, uniting governments, civil societies, health leaders, and families in common cause.
Last week, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, World Health Organization, the Government of Uzbekistan, and the Zamin Foundation co-hosted a UNGA side event to reflect on progress, recommit to the GICC goal, and focus on the work still ahead. It was deeply rewarding to witness collaboration in action, hearing from First Ladies, Ministers of Health, and cancer and sickle cell disease survivors who are united in the effort to give every child the chance to survive and thrive.
For the first time, the Political Declaration considered for adoption at the Fourth UN High-level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health included a call to action to address the global disparities faced by children with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other catastrophic conditions. This is a milestone to celebrate, and one that strengthens the global commitment to children everywhere.
UNGA week also marked the beginning of a new global effort on sickle cell disease with the ambition of reaching 90% survival to age five. At the same time, we recommitted to the GICC target of at least 60% survival for children with cancer by 2030. More countries are now including childhood cancer in their national health plans, and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines is on track to deliver lifesaving treatment to more than 120,000 children over the next five years. This is the kind of bold, achievable action we must commit to.
Years from now, I believe we will look back on this week as a turning point. A moment of momentum and renewed resolve. Now is the time to turn commitment into action, and action into lasting change. Together.”
UNGA 80: Highlights from the Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health
