WHO Launches Childhood Cancer Survival Data Portal

On September 22, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new data portal that offers the first country-comparable five-year survival estimates for childhood lymphoid leukaemia across 194 countries. This development is part of WHO's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), aimed at improving survival rates for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. The data available through the WHO Global Health Observatory establishes a standardized baseline for tracking progress, comparing performance, and identifying areas in need of urgent investment. The initiative seeks to achieve a global target of at least 60% survival for childhood cancer by 2030.

The report published alongside the data portal indicates that while many childhood cancers are highly treatable, survival rates vary significantly by geographical location. High-income countries report survival rates between 80% and 90%, whereas regions with weaker healthcare systems experience rates as low as 40%. These disparities are particularly pronounced in the African Region and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, where challenges such as delayed diagnosis and limited access to essential medicines remain prevalent. Dr. Roberta Ortiz, a Childhood Cancer Medical Officer at WHO, noted that childhood cancer survival rates serve as a clear indicator of overall health system performance.

Each year, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer globally. Data show that adolescents aged 15 to 19 face even greater survival challenges compared to younger children, with significant gaps in care evident in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers such as delays in diagnosis, limited evidence on adolescent cancer care, and insufficient integration of pediatric and adult services contribute to these disparities. To address these challenges, WHO has been working to strengthen cancer registration and improve data quality, which is essential for understanding and tackling childhood cancer.

In response to the findings, WHO has trained 125 health professionals across 27 territories to enhance cancer registry development. The GICC aims to mobilize political commitment and strategic investment to improve childhood cancer care. With the global target of achieving 60% survival by 2030 now included in the UN General Assembly's declaration on noncommunicable diseases, there is unprecedented political will to drive change. Since its launch in 2018, the GICC has engaged 87 countries and supported over 400 projects, benefiting more than 500,000 children and families.

As WHO continues to highlight the importance of childhood cancer care, the future outlook remains hopeful. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring sustained investment in healthcare systems, the goal of saving an additional one million lives by 2030 is attainable. WHO's commitment to improving childhood cancer survival is strengthened by its partnerships with various organizations, contributing to a global effort to enhance the quality of life for children facing cancer.