The global health community is mobilizing to address a growing crisis: the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children and adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A recent call to action, highlighted ahead of the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases scheduled for September 2025, underscores the urgent need for a renewed commitment to improving survival rates and alleviating suffering for young people affected by these conditions. The focus is particularly acute regarding childhood cancer and sickle cell disease (SCD).
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, alongside colleagues and partners, has emphasized the critical importance of innovative strategies to tackle this challenge. The initiative aims to significantly improve outcomes for children facing NCDs, conditions traditionally associated with adulthood, but increasingly impacting younger populations. This renewed focus acknowledges that addressing childhood NCDs is essential for achieving global health equity and sustainable development goals.
Ambitious Goals for Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease
A key component of this global effort centers on two ambitious goals: raising the global childhood cancer survival rate above 60% by 2030 and increasing the global sickle cell disease (SCD) survival rate by age 5 to 90%. These targets, championed by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and supported by organizations like the Zamin Foundation and the country of Uzbekistan, represent a significant step forward in prioritizing pediatric NCDs on the international stage. As First Lady of Uzbekistan Ziroat Mirziyoyeva noted, achieving these goals requires collective action: “Only together can we achieve such great results.”
The United Nations General Assembly’s recognition of childhood cancer and SCD as global health priorities marks a historic moment. This recognition, formalized in the political declaration at the Fourth High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases and mental health, includes specific, achievable goals for improving survival rates. This declaration signals a commitment from world leaders to address these often-overlooked diseases.
Collaboration and a Renewed Commitment
The initiative benefits from a broad coalition of partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), led by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and numerous First Ladies from around the world – Uzbekistan, Turkey, Guatemala, Serbia, Angola, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Lebanon – all united in their support. Dr. Tedros, who was elected WHO Director-General in May 2017 and re-elected for a second five-year term in May 2022 according to the WHO, has been instrumental in advocating for increased attention to childhood NCDs. His background includes a Master of Science in Immunology of Infectious Diseases from the University of London and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Community Health from the University of Nottingham.
This renewed commitment builds on decades of perform to improve global health outcomes. Dr. Tedros previously served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he led a comprehensive reform of the country’s health system, focusing on universal health coverage as detailed by the WHO. This experience informs his current leadership at the WHO and his advocacy for equitable access to healthcare for all children.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The current opportunity to save children through global collaboration on childhood cancer, SCD, and other catastrophic diseases is unprecedented. As James R. Downing, M.D. Stated, “The time for action is now.”
Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained funding, effective implementation of evidence-based interventions, and continued collaboration among governments, international organizations, and civil society groups. Monitoring progress towards the 2030 targets will be crucial, as will adapting strategies based on emerging data and best practices. The focus on Malawi’s strategy, whereas not explicitly detailed in this announcement, underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to the specific needs of individual countries and communities.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health initiatives and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
