The write-up highlights the global challenge of childhood cancer, revealing that around 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed annually, with significant disparities in survival rates between high-income and low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). Childhood cancer, often incurable through prevention or screening, sees over 80% survival in high-income countries but less than 30% in LMICs. Key issues contributing to poorer outcomes in LMICs include delayed diagnosis, limited access to care, treatment abandonment, and avoidable deaths from toxicity or relapse. Efforts to improve outcomes emphasise early and accurate diagnosis, essential medicines, and cost-effective treatments, with a focus on prompt intervention. The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in 2018, aiming for a 60% survival rate by 2030. The initiative includes the Cure All framework, a technical package, and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines
Parvaiz-koul
Masood-hussain
World-health-assembly
St-jude-children-research-hospital
World-health-organisation
Cancer-centre
Global-initiative-for-childhood-cancer
International-agency-for-research-on-cancer
International-atomic-energy-agency
World-health
Prof-parvaiz-koul
In a recent meeting with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Comrade Yousuf Tarigami, and Dr Mehboob Beig discussed the issue of SKIMS (Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science) losing its autonomy. They emphasized the need to allow the institute to fill up vaccine positions for patient care. They pointed out the 50% shortage of technical and nursing staff, affecting other healthcare institutions as well. Kashmir's hospitals face severe vacancies, with 275 positions vacant in SMHS Hospital alone. The government's decision to downsize has led to a net fall of 129,301 employees in the last two years, despite rising costs. The region faces rampant joblessness, with a 23.1% unemployment rate, leaving around eight lakh youths jobless.
Ladakh
Jammu-and-kashmir
India
Gupkar
Kathua
Kashmir
Kupwara
Jammu
Raj-bhawan
Perzada-hidayatullah
Jal-shakti
Manoj-sinha